November witnessed a lot of rains in many parts of India, especially in several south Indian states. Extreme wind conditions brought by thunderstorms and cyclones forced a few birds to change their migration routes. This might be one of the reasons why Kerala saw an uptick in small migratory birds this November.
Rare Birds
A Eurasian Blackcap was spotted in Munnar this November. Although it’s a common and widespread warbler of Europe, Asia, and Africa, this was the first time it was ever seen in India. We believe that a cyclone in the Arabian Sea might have forced this bird to change its migratory route and land in Lantana bushes in Munnar, Kerala. Many birders subsequently saw it feeding on Lantana sp. fruits finally giving this much-maligned invasive plant some purpose!
On November 18, ~237 km from Munnar, an Ortolan Bunting was sighted in Malappuram in Kerala. Remarkably, the only previous sighting of Ortolan Bunting from South India (Mangalore) was also on November 18!
Also in Malappuram, a male Spanish Sparrow became the first record for South India. It looks very similar to our House Sparrow except that males have a chestnut crown and a streaked breast and flanks.
Events
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in association with Bird Count India (BCI) will be organising the second global Indian Skimmer Count. Details coming soon!
The 5th Goa Bird Festival will be held on December 16-17, 2021 at Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorao, Panaji. See here for more details.
Birding Events
Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada nature club in association with AP Forest Department and other partners will be soon starting its 2nd ‘Winter Waterbird Census’. Details coming soon!
Karnataka
Bird/ Nature Walk at Durga Rock, Bengaluru
When: Saturday, 4 Dec ’21, 6.30am
Meeting point: Koppa Gate on Bannerghatta Road
Details of the walk:
- From the meeting place, drive for another 15-20 minutes to get to Durga Rock, park, and go up to the open area.
- It is a little bit of hilly terrain but not hard to negotiate.
- Carry rainwear just in case, plenty of drinking water, and snacks. Wear a hat/ cap and comfortable walking shoes.
- No washrooms are available.
- WhatsApp group to join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kduh6EikwFx1wQ1Si2KsYs
- Contact in case of need: Deepa Mohan, 99800 10366
Bird/ Nature Walk at Bettakote Lake, Bengaluru
When: Sunday, 5 Dec ’21, 6.30 am
Meeting point: Airport Toll at 6.30 am.
Details of the walk:
- From the meeting point drive for another 15-20 minutes to get to Bettakote Lake.
- Carry rainwear just in case, plenty of drinking water, and snacks.
- Wear a hat/ cap and comfortable walking shoes.
- No washrooms are available.
- Whatsapp Group to join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kduh6EikwFx1wQ1Si2KsYs
- Contact in case of need: Deepa Mohan, 99800 10366
Maharashtra
On 4 December 2021, Native Green Project (NGP) will be conducting a bird walk at Bhandup Pumping Station, Mumbai. For registration, contact Jayraj Naik at 83560 51854
Birding Challenges
The monthly eBirding challenge for December is to upload at least 1 list every weekday (Mon to Fri) and at least 3 lists in total every weekend (Sat and Sun).
See here to view the yearlong challenges for 2020!
Note: Considering the Covid-19 pandemic, please ensure that you adhere to all instructions by central and local authorities while birding.