INDIA 2010: Keoladeo NP day 2

Nov 17 – Our day at Keoladeo was split into two sessions, returning to the Bagh for lunch and some R and R. We met Jag and the main gate and walked from their to the barrier and onto the nursery. Sadly Eric got a bit of the good old delhi-belly and Tammy stayed behind to look after him.

While walking the paved one lane track and having to move over anytime a vehicle, motor bike or rickshaw passed by, we kept running into a young swede, Magnus, who was birding by bike. We exchange a lot of information and called him over when we found a Shirkeer Malkoha, which he appreciated, and he returned the favor with the finer identification points of Olive-backed Pipits as well as Arctic Warbler compared to the usual phylloscopus warblers.

A distant Egyptian Vulture never showed it true colors, and we thought we may have been onto something when a murder of crows gathered around a tree. At first I thought they must be mobbing an owl, but it turned out it was nothing more than roll call for them. Arden picked out a Clamouros Reed Warbler, this being the largest of the acrocephalus warblers, amongst the more open scrub, a habitat in which I did not expect to find it.

The nursery area was relatively quiet with the exception of the Rhesus Macaque’s (above). There was a fracas amongst a small troop when a younger member was unhappy and screaming, which led to a bully charging and running him down at which point he was given a good working over. Some of the other members of the troop came to the youngsters defense, but in reality their show of force was too little too late – I fear on purpose!

Behind the nursery we searched for thrushes and a Golden-spectacled Warbler that had shown up. There was success for some of the group with a Tickell’s Thrush and we all watched a vary obliging Blyth’s Reed Warbler. Indian Grey Hornbills were conspicuous feeding on berries and there was closer views of both Brown-headed Barbet and Black-rumped Flameback (above). Wagtails have been few and far between, but on the well cropped grassy area as a result of grazing cattle, Citirine and White were actively feeding.

It began to spit as we made our way to the park entrance for the afternoon session. Climbing aboard the rickshaws the rain picked up to a steady drizzle. By the time we made it to the Keoladeo Temple it was thundering and pouring. What is going on? This weather is total unexpected. At least we were prepared!

We made a stop along the way to watch Indian Grey Mongoose cross the road. At Sappan Mori there was a female Black-necked Stork (above) standing like a statue amongst a herd of female Nilgai, and no doubt wondering, as we were, as to why it was raining.

There was a comical moment when Jag explained what was going to happen in order to see a Black Heron. Somehow, somewhere along the way we were all confused as it seemed there were several well thought out steps, but to us we could not see how a bird was going to be that cooperative…….anyway Arden spotted the Black Bittern through the rain on the far side of the jheel, and we watched it as it walked up into the vegetation and later fly across the water. It was almost like what Jag explained – well sort of!

It was not long before the heavy rain forced us to take shelter in the Keoladeo Temple. The holy man (above), dressed in an orange robe, was more than happy to see us once again, and he even did a little ‘go away rain’ dance for us. An Indian couple residing in England had taken the rickshaw ride in the rain without any gear and arrived at the temple soaking wet. As a consolation we did get to see 5 adult Golden Orioles in the scope, much to the delight of our new friends.

We still had to make the twenty minute ride back in the rain!