Madiwala Lake, cranes, herons and swamphens

The recent trip to Ranganathittu had put us in a birding frenzy. We already visited Ulsoor lake in the recent past. We got to see lots of birds and some interesting looking insects there. Madiwala lake was already in our list for some time. We wanted to see what all birds visit this lake during winter. So last Sunday(06-Jan-2013) it was an impromptu trip to Madiwala lake.

Sunset seen from Madiwala lake.

  Like us, if you're coming from Whitefield, you can take outer ring road and then, just after crossing Silk Board, take a left to get into 29th Main. Soon you will see the parking lot on your left.

  You can park your vehicle(4-wheeler) inside the park for Rs. 20. Entree fee is Rs. 5/adult and Rs. 2/child. And still camera fee is Rs. 100. 

Ticket rates

  The lake also has a park, well shaded with big trees. The park seemed more popular to young couples who wanted to enjoy each others company. A children play area and a boating club are also there. Paddle boats are available at a rate of Rs. 100/half hour.

Boating station

  Now back to birding. Well, we read that there are several different types of water birds in the lake. And during winters, the pelicans add to the attraction. 
To our dismay, we didn't find any pelican. We did see lots of purple swamphens, cranes, purple herons and kites. It looks beautiful when hundreds of white cranes fly around the lake in a formation during sundown. 

  Here are some of the pictures for you to enjoy.

A park maintainer clearing water hyacinth

Black Ibis

Cranes and Purple Swamphens living in harmony.

Purple Heron

Beautiful yellow flower

Seed of the same same flowering tree

A band of wasps

Probably a senior wasp of the band

Two cute puppies playing around

The mosque near the lake

    

Weekend bird photography at Ranganathittu and Kokkare Bellur

It’s been about four months since we were planning to visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Kokkare Bellur. Well, quite obviously because these two places are famous for the migratory birds that flock here for breeding each year. 
So, this weekend, 30th Dec, 2012 to be precise, we decided to hit the road. First Kokkare Bellur, then Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Although this was a day trip, we broke it down into two blog posts. The only reason for doing that is for you(our most wonderful readers) to distinguish between the two places and the birds you can find there.

Sunrise by Mysore Road

   Here are the individual Blog Post:

• Kokkare Bellur village
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a treat for the bird watchers

Pelican at Kokkare Bellur

Kokkare Bellur Village

        

Blue Pansy

Spoon Bill Stork

Heron

Some of the common info about our journey:
Distance travelled: Around 360 Km (up+down)
Route: Whitefield, Sarjapur, NiceRoad, Mysore Road, Channapatna, Kokkare Bellur, Maddur, Mandya, Srirangapatna,  Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (the return route is same except no detour to Kokkare Bellur)
Leave Bangalore: 5:15 AM
Return to Bangalore: 6:30 PM