In pursuit of Orange Bullfinch

28th July, 2024

On the final day of our three-day birding tour in Shogran, I traveled from Lahore to photograph the rare orange bullfinch. Despite hiking 40 kilometers through Shogran and Siri Paye over the first two days, we could not spot any. On our last day, we woke up early at around 5 am, but our view was obscured by heavy clouds. Just as we were about to conclude our birding journey, a lone orange bullfinch suddenly appeared before me, giving me just a few precious seconds to snap some photographs.

The Thrilling Encounter with the Rufous Sibia

09th June, 2024

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

The rufous sibia (Heterophasia capistrata) is a stunning bird species that can be found in the woodlands and shrubby areas of the Himalayas, spanning from northern Pakistan to central Nepal. One might say that this bird is located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Records of these birds in Pakistan are scarce and are mostly found in the lower Himalayan regions of Galliyat and Kashmir. The rufous sibia is recognized for its captivating feathers, which are mainly rufous or reddish-brown on the body. It possesses a black head and a distinct white throat. The wings and tail are generally darker, often with a bluish or black hue.

I have been searching for this bird for the past six years, but luck has not been on my side. During most of my birding trips in the northern area, I teamed up with my birding friend Ayaz Mahmood from Islamabad. He called me in the first week of June to report that he had spotted a Rufous Sibia during a hike in Galliyat and was fortunate to capture some good shots.

Saturday was a regular workday for me, and I had a presentation for the CEO on Monday morning, but the Rufous Sibia was on my mind. I left Lahore at 9 PM, traveled the entire night, and arrived in Galliyat at dawn to start our hike. I was in jeans, and my mind was still preoccupied with work, so I didn't bring any water or a day pack for the hike. After two hours, we began hearing the calls of the Rufous Sibia, but in the dense jungle, we couldn't catch a glimpse of the bird.

The Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata) is recognized for its sweet, melodious vocalizations, which include clear whistles and intricate warbles. These melodic calls are used for communication, marking territory, and attracting mates. Then my partner called out that he had seen the bird in the pine trees, but it had vanished. We continued hiking for another hour, still hearing calls, but the bird remained elusive in front of the camera. It was nearly four hours into our hike when we began our descent. 

In my bird-watching journey, I've understood the importance of patience. No matter how much effort you invest in seeking out a specific bird, it only reveals itself when the time is right. It's crucial not to be disheartened if a bird-watching excursion doesn't yield any sightings, much like in life, where our best-laid plans can take unexpected turns, leaving us only with a smile and a lesson learned.

With my friend, Ayaz Bhi, I was sharing this very sentiment. I explained that I didn't feel discouraged by the seemingly fruitless outcome of my trip. Suddenly, with mere moments to spare, Ayaz bhi erupted with excitement, announcing the sighting of a Sibia perched on the pine tree just ahead. Initially, I thought he must have been mistaken, as five hours had passed without any luck. However, in an incredible turn of events, a bird emerged and settled atop the highest branch of the pine tree. It was a rufous sibia, and in the blink of an eye, it was joined by its mate. My heart filled with joy, and even Ayaz Bhi couldn't contain his elation. It felt like the universe had orchestrated this encounter to uplift us at the perfect moment. It was a reminder that the most rewarding experiences in life often come when we least expect them.

Bird appeared from a Pine tree for a moment

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

Rare find in our backyard! First-ever ultramarine flycatcher sighting in Lahore

10th October, 2022
Lahore 
All photos are taken by me in this article 

Our house is situated in the proximity of the famous Shalimar Garden in Lahore, only a short walk away. We feel fortunate to have a large lawn in our yard, and my father has been planting trees there for many years. Some of these trees are quite old, with some being around 40 years old.

One particular tree that stands out in our yard is a majestic Jamen tree, which is situated at the very heart of our lawn. Its broad, sprawling branches provide a safe haven for numerous birds that seek refuge in its shade. One balmy afternoon in October 2022, while lounging in the yard, I spotted a small bird perched on one of the tree's branches. At first, I assumed it was just another red-breasted flycatcher, a common sight in our yard every year. Without delay, I dashed back to my room to retrieve my camera equipment and managed to capture a few shots of the bird.

To my utter amazement, upon closer inspection, I realized that it was not the usual red-breasted flycatcher, but a female ultramarine flycatcher! A quick search on E-bird confirmed that it was the first recorded sighting of the species in Lahore city. It was a truly unforgettable and extraordinary moment for me!

Sighting a Grayleg Goose from Lahore's Suburbs

25-02-2024

I went on a day-long adventure through the borderlands of Lahore, in pursuit of the elusive Red-napped ibis. I started from Wagha village, riding my trusty motorbike through marshes and birding spots, one after the other. Passing through Sahanke, Chandher, Qila Jiwan Singh, Jattanwali, Maujoke Lallo, Ghurki, and eventually reaching Padhna village, memories of my days exploring Qila Jiwan Singh in 2014 on my old bicycle came flooding back.

Finally, I arrived at Padhna village, which marked the end of the road. Near the Indo-Pakistan border, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a marshy pond surrounded by army foxholes that lies less than 600 feet from the Indo-Pak border. But that wasn't all. Across the border in India, peeking through the horizon, stood a Sikh gurdwara, adding an unexpected touch of spirituality to the scene. It was Gurdwara Jallan Singh, located in the Indian side village of Naushahra.

However, the real magic happened right there in the pond. Amongst the usual suspects of northern shovelers and pintails, a solitary Grayleg goose gracefully was gliding across the water and stole the show for me. It was a rare sight, and a first-ever record in Lahore, according to the birding database, ebird. Yet, my local birding buddy assured me it wasn't as uncommon as the records suggested.

I would like to give special thanks to the ranger personnel who allowed me to take some shots in this sensitive area. This sighting reminds me of the rich diversity Lahore once had, which is now threatened by urban sprawl. Spotting that goose was a glimmer of hope for the city's natural beauty amidst the chaos of development. And with that, I left Padhna village, my heart full of wonder and my camera full of memories.

Nothern Shovlers