Sultanpur 29.11.09, with the Shrikes & Blue Throat among many others

Its been a year since we went birding to Sultanpur, so when we heard that there was a trip scheduled i was thrilled

An Yellow Crowned Woodpecker was doing hide & seek with us

Just as we were walking i thought i heard a noise similar to somebody clicking away furiously on the camera, then i realised it was a Blue Throat. It was bang in front of me on the pathway, i crawled on my knees to reach closer to it.

Then some Lesser White Throats, Hume's Warbler's, Common Chiffchaffs kept us interested. So was an over flying Honey Buzzard & a Marsh Harrier.

A Roller bird was looking delightful as ever.

Then the Olive Backed Pipits captured every one's interest

So were the Red Avadavats, who were posing for us

And so with the Silver Bills

The Southern Grey Shrike was not even bothered by my presence !!

The Minivets made a stunning splash of colour

We also saw Black Rumped Flame back, Horn bills, Tree pies, Coucals, a Black Shouldered Kite sitting & preening away. Stone chats, Plain & Ashy Prinia, Large Grey Babbler, Shikra, Drongo, Indian Robin & Pied Bush chats also made their presence felt.

Partridge's made their presence with their lovely calls. I tried to click a Common Quail, but stood no chance !!

At the water hole there was over 2,000 water birds Common teals, Gadwals, Northern Shovelers, Grey lag geese, Bar headed geese, Common Pochards, Northern Pin tails, Coots & Wigions.

The resident water birds included the Common Moorhen, Purple Swamp hen, Great, Intermediate & Little cattle Egrets, Purple & Grey Herons, Black Headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Painted Storks. So were the White Tailed Lapwings, Wood sand Pipers. Barn swallows & Plain Martins looked busy as ever.

Here is a video of an Egret Fishing & enjoying its meal !

Just as we came out some one told us, Great White Pelicans have flown in & also there was a pair of Sarus cranes. But we were tired & hungry, so will check them out next time.

From 7 am to 12 noon we saw almost 60 species of birds, now isn't that amazing ???