Thanks to the low-pressure formations in November, the Valley got drenched in the downpours and all the waterbodies on campus (and the Valley) have now copious supply of water. The Percolation tank, has in fact, been overflowing for the past nearly two weeks and it is so nice to hear the sound of flowing waters once again.
The water bodies have been attracting birds and the Percolation Tank, in particular, has now several pairs of Little Grebe with at least three active nests. The tank now resonates with their loud trilling calls and they keep chasing one another, half-flying, half-running across the water, in their attempts to defend their territories.
Joining them are the Eurasian Coots and Eurasian Moorhen, both species putting in an appearance on campus after nearly 15 years! They too, it appears, maybe nesting. The White-breasted waterhens are also quite active and could be observed swimming or flying across the waterbody. Their strange, loud calls cannot be missed by anyone who ventures anywhere near the Tank. There are two families of the Red-wattled Lapwings around the tank margins, often raising an alarm when it senses danger.
Eurasian Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Occasional Little Egrets and Little Cormorants are seen. The availability of water across the landscape and the high level of water here may perhaps restrict the numbers of ducks, herons, and other wading birds. I am sure they will be turning up over the next few weeks when conditions become more conducive for them. The nearby fields also have been attracting large numbers of Cattle egrets and Pond Herons.
I once heard the Common Kingfisher once as it flew past. I noticed a pair at the tank opposite the Rural Health Centre. Hopefully they will turn up more regularly in the campus as they did in the past.
- Santharam, Dec 14, 2021
Little Cormorant
White-throated Kingfisher
Indian Pond-heron