“Any sighting today?” is a common question after a jungle safari. By “sighting” one usually means the tiger. In our desire to spot the tiger in Bandipur, we often overlook the amazing smaller creatures.
The vast Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) campus itself is home to many birds. On our arrival, we could hear the distinct chirp of the sunbirds as they hopped all over the banyan tree at the entrance.
Over the couple of days at JLR and in the Bandipur forest, we saw and heard many birds, and were able to photograph a few of them. Of course, the peacocks stand out.
Read Bandipur diaries 1 here
During our last visit to Bandipur in March 2022, the peacocks were very active in wooing the peahens so we saw multiple instances of the peacock dance.
The numerous waterbodies within Bandipur forest provide the ideal habitat for several species of waterbirds and other water-loving creatures.
The uninitiated eye would pass them off as kites or eagles, but there are different species of birds of prey at Bandipur. The large serpent eagle was far off behind branches and we were unable to get a focussed shot.
Drongos, magpie robins, woodpeckers, babblers, bushchats, hoopoes. coucals, koels, barbets, doves… The Bandipur Forest is home to these and many more.
More about Bandipur in my next post.
arathimy 