Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary during monsoons

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary during monsoons:

Have been visiting the Bird Sanctuary through the year except during monsoons, as always heard it will be closed during monsoons or very less birds flock here during this part of the year. But my instinct towards the Bird Sanctuary and curiosity pulled me here during the August month which is a peak monsoon season here.

Cattle Egret in breeding plumage they have golden plumes on their head, chest, and back

This bird Sanctuary has never disappointed me, this time we spotted large numbers of Black headed Ibis, Cattle egrets, Cormorants and resident birds such as Kingfishers, Night Heron. Also spotted a small colony of Snake birds or Darter birds and a lone large Pelican which had probably missed its flight back since last migratory season.

Black headed Ibis

Black headed Ibis in river Kaveri

Black headed Ibis and the fruit bats in the background

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret

Common Kingfisher or the Eurasian Kingfisher

Black-Crowned Night Heron

Lone Pelican

Darter birds

 Apart from these birds there were a lot of surprises waiting for us while boating across the bird islands, we spotted a fish eating Smooth Coated Otter, but couldn't get a snap as it was quick and low light conditions due to clouds and then we spotted a baby marsh crocodile on one of the islands, both of which I've seen for the first time.

Baby Crocodile

There is one good news for the bird lovers, the Sanctuary is getting expanded with longer pathways across the river and more trees being planted. Walking through the park one can witness many species of Butterflies and resident birds, this time I spotted a female Asian Koel.

Euploea core or the common Indian crow butterfly

Female Asian Koel

Gorgeous flower at the Ranganathittu park