Heaven for Bird Photography: Shivanahalli

Missed me?? Well I am back again, this time from Ramkrishna Mission, Shivanahalli.

The Ramkrishna Mission is in the outskirts of Bangalore, approximately 12 kms from Bannerghatta Zoo & 40 KMs away from my home. That means I have to start quite early but that's absolutely fine provided the expectation I have from that place.

Before I plan for a trip , I do my homework (like everyone does) about the place, the different bird species that has been spotted before & if any prior permission is required.

To visit this place for Bird Photography you do need permission from Swamiji who I heard is very knowledgeable & more than happy to permit whoever comes. So with nothing to stop me I decided to visit the place on 7th May.

On 7th, I started from my home at 5 AM,it was pitch dark outside but loved the ride in traffic free Bangalore streets (whoever stays in Bangalore will understand my emotions). It took 90 minutes to reach but it was quite scenic though the roads were not that great. I was happy to see the location, lot of tress with no sound pollution at all.

As expected the place was neat & clean, well maintained I must say. The proverb from the Swami Vivekananda embedded in the building was a great read to start your day. Sorry about the picture quality, don't blame my DSLR yet, it was clicked from my camera phone.

I was asked by the caretakers to take permission from Swamiji who without any hesitation permitted me to explore the place. The place of my interest i.e. the forest area was behind the buildings & was quite big. Man I was happy, lets get started.

The first bird or I should say birds I encountered were the Catle Egrets. They were looking at me (specially the left one) as if asking me to leave their territory. They were having delicious breakfast in the form of insects, sorry to disturb you guys but I travelled 40 KMs, please excuse me.

I was also able to click some portraits of the Egrets, the most beautiful of them (I call him Mr Handsome) all is right below.

Good start as I moved towards the forest area. It was quite dense which I didn't expected but I can hear the chirping of birds already. The overnight rain made the path little murky but it also means a very pleasant morning with cold breeze flowing continuously. Just as I was passing by a mango tree (which was loaded with mangoes), I sensed some movements. I stopped trying to figure out what bird it may be but can't see any. At last patience paid dividend as I saw the beautiful Golden Fronted Leafbird for the first time in my life flying up & down the tree.

Right after clicking the above image it flew away somewhere with its partner & from there on couldn't saw it again. Alright moving on I saw lot of squirrels & monkeys on the trees jumping from one branch to another, probably doing their morning exercises.

Next sighing was that of cute Oriental White Eye, its very small & swift, so it was a challenge to frame it (as if clicking others were not ??). It derives its name from the white circle around its eyes, hence the name 'Oriental White Eye'. After couple of missed shots, I was able to capture it in my camera though I am not fully satisfied with the quality. Nevertheless a decent click.

It was around 8AM when I started feeling hungry. I opened my bag, had some breads, an apple & back again on my feet marching ahead.

The place was so calm & green, I felt like staying there forever. Swamiji do stay here in a small house surrounded by trees & plants everywhere, lucky you Swamiji I murmured.

As I was imagining myself staying there forever, I saw something on a tree, a bit far. Curiosity grows when I saw a long tail but couldn't able to confirm what kind of bird it is. A couple of steps ahead & voila, its a 'White Rumped Shama' . Even though I clicked some pictures of it, it didn't came out that good since it was quite far but friends do google the name & you will be amazed to see what a beautiful bird it is. Bad luck as I cursed myself & moved on.

On my way I saw some Red Whiskered Bulbul, Pale-Billed Flowerpecker (not 100% sure though) & an Oriental Magpie-Robin. They are quite common in Bangalore but does not mean they are not beautiful.

Time flew by & sun started to challenge me, by 9 AM it was quite hot but I was not thinking of going back yet. I wanted to unveil more mysteries about the place & that's when I heard constant chirping from a bird coming from behind. I turned back & saw 'Ashy Prinia' aka Kishore Kumar singing as if no one is hearing, bindass !!!

After hearing Kishore Kumar for couple of minutes & taking some pictures, I thought its time to go back. The day was getting hotter with sun showing no mercy. I started to move back towards the gate when I saw another Pale-Billed Flowerpecker (not sure, again) just out of shower, didn't had the time to comb & striking a pose for a click.

After clicking its picture, I reached the gate at around 10 AM but hold on, the Cattle Egrets were still there at the entrance. I thought of clicking a closeup which came out quite good.

This image brings to an end to yet another trip of Bird Photography with lot of sightings. I hope you enjoy reading & watching the images. With every trip I try to improve my skills & share it with you all. Do ping me your feedback (good, bad, very bad).

Adios !!