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.

Remnant of Rai Zada Amir Chand's (1926) Hindu Ashram & Temple in Lahore's Walled City

(All pictures and writeup text used in this blog, is author's property, kindly respect copyrights)

08-10-2023 (Date of Visit)

Before 1947, Lahore was a bustling city where Hindus were integral to its social fabric. They made up the second-largest population and dotted the city with numerous temples. Lahore hadn't sprawled much beyond the walled city, and these temples stood as symbols of religious diversity and cultural richness.

Inside the walls of Lahore, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus co-existed in harmony. Historian Khanya Lal's book, 'Tareekh Lahore', vividly chronicled the presence of various Hindu temples within the Walled City. It was a testament to the city's diverse and inclusive past.

However, when British India was divided in 1947, Lahore witnessed a drastic change. Hindu families bid farewell to their homes in the walled city, leaving behind their sacred temples. These places of worship were then occupied by families who migrated from India. Unfortunately, no efforts were made to preserve these religious sites, and their condition worsened even more after the Babri Mosque demolition in India in 1992.

During my exploration of the Walled City's Wachowali Bazaar, I stumbled upon a stone inscription. It spoke of an ashram built in 1926 by Rai Zada Amir Chand, dedicated to Ram Nath and Choith Ram. This ashram once stood tall as a temple until it was demolished in 1992. Presently, a small spire temple remains hidden within residential quarters. Families who migrated occupy it and are wary of photography. The surrounding rooms are in a sorry state, mostly dilapidated and ruined.

Stone Inscription 

Spire of Temple

Despite the Lahore Walled City authority being operational for almost a decade now, it's disheartening that no Hindu religious building has been restored or rehabilitated. The temples that once echoed with devotion now stand forgotten, bearing the weight of neglect and time.

It's crucial to recognize the significance of preserving these cultural treasures. They are not just bricks and stones but symbols of a shared past and communal harmony. By restoring these temples, we could honor Lahore's diverse history and ensure that future generations can embrace and appreciate the city's rich heritage

Staircase

Main Temple Remains