A thank you note received

We don't normally forward mails from visitors to the lake but this one we couldn't resist - not so much for the text but for the exquisite photos sent. The insipid Pond Heron on which we don't spare a second look appears like a painting. The Scaly-breasted Munia is sparrow sized but the photo clearly indicates how it got its name. 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chandra Rampuria
Date: Sat, Jul 11, 2015 at 12:36 PM
Subject: Thank you note !
To: puttenahalli.lake@gmail.com

I am a resident of Elita Promenade and recently happened to visit the Puttenhalli Lake.

Must say it was really a very pleasant surprise for me to see such a well maintained lake in the midst of a bustling neighbourhood. 

Full credit to the trustees for creating an environment where birds and insects can not only survive but also thrive.

It is indeed a creditworthy work by all of you and I would like to express my gratitude by sharing some of the pictures of the birds that I was able to click during my visits.

Best regards

Chandra Kumar Rampuria

Indian Pond Heron

Kingfisher

Scaly-breasted Munia

Sunbird

Reproductive success at its best!

Extracts from an email from Vishnupriya Hathwar, who frequents Puttenahalli Lake 

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Just wanted to share somethings that many of you may have already observed [ or maybe not].. here goes !!

Due to the wonderful rains, the lake has filled up quite a bit, leaving only smaller islands for the birds.

In this, the most common birds- the Common Coots have chicks that are almost grown to adult size [ only the plumage is still lacking].

Spotted a pair of Coucals - appears that they too have a young one!! Spotted a small Coucal with FRESH plumage flying across the lake.
I have personally never seen a young one of a Pond Heron up close... happened to see one meek little pond heron with its drab mottles and blotches of dirty brown hiding in the weeds between the gate [entrance to the lake] and the island.

Long shot of coot and chick (Pic: Usha)

The purple swamp hens and the dabchicks [ little grebes] are not far behind in reproductive success !! some of them have chicks as well!

I am kinda missing the kingfishers and purple herons actually !! oh yes - managed to see the Pheasant tailed Jacana as well !! beauty of a bird I would say.

One suggestion - is it possible to introduce lotus leaves into a part of the lake?? This would get the Jacanas to start breeding there as well !!
I know some of us would question about the maintenance part... but that's something we need to do all the time right??

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Over the last couple of years, more than 60 species of birds have been spotted at Puttenahalli Lake. We were pleasantly surprised to come across Golumolu's blog post in June, about birding in Puttenahalli Lake - that can be read here.

To know more about the birds of Puttenahalli Lake, check out the PNLIT Flora and Fauna webpage, that has this carefully documented.

Birds, birds!

Nirupama Sriram who lives in the JP Nagar 7th Phase area, made full use of the two day bandh (on 20th-21st Feb 2013) by spending time at Puttenahalli Lake and taking photographs of the birds. Her discerning eyes have captured them so beautifully!

The Wood Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail are both migratory. In fact, the Yellow Wagtail is one of the early winter visitors and is likely to begin its return migration soon since it is becoming pretty hot here.

Wood Sandpiper

Yellow Wagtail (or could be a Gray Wagtail)

It is easy to confuse between the Mynah and the Rosy Starling. The closeups show the difference - the starling has a rose coloured body. It is also migratory and spends winters in India. 

Common Mynah

Rosy Starlings

The other birds are residents but no less important to us! The Pond Heron looks like a silver statue in the backdrop of the Salvinia Molesta! We hope to get the weed removed fairly soon and make the lake attractive to many more birds.

Indian Pond Heron

White-breasted Waterhen

Red-wattled Lapwing

Purple Moorhen/Swamphen

Inputs: Usha Rajagopalan

Pics and bird ids: Nirupama Sriram