Spotting the Singing Bush Lark from Lahore's Suburbs

11th May, 2021

(All photographs in this article are taken by the author)

In Lahore, at the edge of DHA, lies a strip of fields. Amidst the concrete jungle of DHA and the serene BRB canal, this spot emerged as a birding hotspot, a place I frequented often since 2017.

In April 2020, amidst the tall grasses, I spotted a Singing Bush Lark. Its tiny frame perched gracefully, filling the air with its sweet, melodious song.

The Singing Bushlark, scientifically known as Mirafra cantillans, stole my heart. Its captivating song echoed through the fields.

Its camouflaged plumage, blending seamlessly with the earthy tones around, caught my eye. But it was the distinctive facial markings that made it stand out—bold streaks around the eyes and cheeks, giving it a unique charm.

During the breeding season, the male's courtship displays were a sight to behold—soaring high, spinning in the air, all while singing its enchanting song.

And when it came to nesting, the Singing Bushlark showed its resourcefulness. Its ground nests, hidden among dense vegetation, were intricately woven, a haven for its young.

Some of these birds even embark on epic migrations, showcasing their incredible navigational skills and endurance.

Spotting that Singing Bushlark was more than just a birdwatching moment— it was a profound connection with the natural world, right in the heart of Lahore.

Spotting the Yellow-Bellied Prinia from Lahore's Suburbs

12th April, 2024

(All photographs in this article are taken by the author)

Bird watching in Lahore always brings surprises, and I've been hoping to spot a Yellow-bellied Prinia for ages. Finally, I got lucky and found a bunch of them fluttering about. They're cute little birds that love places like grasslands, marshes, and areas with tall grasses near river bodies and ponds. They hang out near water, too, hunting for bugs and other tiny critters.

Scientifically speaking, the yellow-bellied prinia belongs to the family Cisticolidae, a diverse group of small passerine birds found primarily in Africa and Asia. Within this family, Prinia flaviventris stands out for its striking yellow belly, olive-green upperparts, and distinctive long tail. Its slender build and agile movements make it well-suited for navigating through dense vegetation in search of food.

Sadly, Lahore's growing cityscape has already eaten up their homes. But I did some digging and found out that other bird watchers have spotted them near Head Baloki in Phoolnagar, at least 60 kilometers from Lahore. Closer to home, near the Sialkot bypass, there's a marshy spot where I've seen lots of other birds. No luck with the yellow-bellied prinia there yet, though.

During the Eid holidays in April 2024, I stumbled upon a colony of them. Among the tall grasses, I heard their chirps and saw their distinctive long tails. They were even louder than the other species of Prinia, but surprisingly calmer. It felt like a special moment, a reminder that nature still has a place in our bustling city. Furthermore, it's fascinating to note the adaptability of these delicate creatures. Despite the encroachment of urbanization, they persist, finding refuge in the pockets of greenery that still dot Lahore's landscape.

Birds, Beliefs, and Border Encounters: A Day in McLeod Ganj

22nd January, 2023

Me and my two friends had an amazing day exploring nature, spotting birds, and snapping photos on our motorbikes. We headed to an area near the Sadiq Ganj canals in South Punjab, where marshes had formed from canal water. Local folks even had fish farms there. It was a perfect spot for bird-watching. Interestingly, nearby villages, Minchianabad and McLeod Ganj were named after British officers.

Marshy Area between Head Sulmenki Canals

False Villager Knowledge: During our trip, we met a local who shared some wild beliefs. He asked if we knew about a peculiar cure for Hepatitis C involving female pigeons. We shook our heads, confused. Then, he confidently told us that villagers believed rubbing the patient's tummy with a female pigeon until it took away the "heat" and died could cure the disease. We were left baffled by the odd beliefs some folks had.

Dinner with a Hunter: After our bird-watching adventure, we were invited to dinner at a hunter friend's house. Over the meal, he shared some fascinating, albeit questionable, stories with us. He mentioned how hunters in McLeod Ganj considered anything they shot as fair game, including parakeets and mynas. It was quite surprising for me to hear about their unconventional eating habits.

As we left McLeod Ganj, another strange encounter awaited us on the road to Heaveli Lakha. Despite the chill, we embarked on our bikes towards our destinations. Along the dark Head Sulemenki Road, close to the border between Pakistan and India, we encountered a mysterious figure seeking a lift. Although we declined, our third friend behind us offered the stranger a ride. Little did we know, this decision would lead to an unexpected encounter at an army checkpoint. The stranger, it turned out, was carrying various drugs, landing him in custody. While we escaped with a warning, the incident left us pondering the strange events of the day and the risks of impulsive decisions.

lights on Indian side from Head Sulmenki road