Sighting of a Great Bittern in Lahore Suburbs: A Rare Encounter

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights) 

06th October 2024 (date of sighting

Every Sunday, I ventured into the suburbs of Lahore with my camera, exploring ponds and marshes that serve as bird sanctuaries. On one such day, during a quiet stretch of birdwatching, I caught a glimpse of movement in the tall grasses near a marshy wetland. Initially, I thought it was a common resident like a Purple Heron, but something about its posture made my heart race. Raising my camera, I realized I had spotted a Great Bittern.

The Great Bittern (*Botaurus stellaris*), a large heron-like bird, is known for its exceptional camouflage, blending seamlessly with reeds in wetlands. This elusive bird often remains hidden, its presence betrayed only by its deep, booming call, which resonates through marshes during breeding season. Spotting it in Lahore, where wetland habitats are shrinking due to urbanization, felt extraordinary.

The bird stood motionless in its signature "bittern stance," neck extended upward, mimicking the vertical lines of the reeds. For several moments, it remained still, and I felt a profound connection to this rare creature. This species is notoriously difficult to observe due to its secretive nature, freezing in place when alarmed. Seeing it so clearly was a rare privilege.

Great Bittern sightings in Lahore and its suburbs are extremely rare, and I haven’t seen any recent records on eBird. Their preferred habitats—undisturbed wetlands—are rapidly disappearing due to urban expansion, leaving fewer places for these birds to thrive. This sighting, however, suggests that small pockets of suitable habitat may still remain.

As a birdwatcher, it reinforced my passion for conserving the remaining natural habitats around Lahore. Such rare sightings show that there is still much to discover in the wildlife around us, and it’s crucial to protect what remains.

𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱: 𝗔 𝗥𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights) 

08th September 2024

Male & Female

Urbanization often disrupts wildlife habitats, yet occasionally it produces unexpected benefits. A prime example is the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, where human development has unintentionally fostered a thriving microhabitat. The elevated road and its sloping embankments have become a refuge for various bird species. On these grassy slopes, Prinias flit through the undergrowth, bee-eaters dazzle with their swift flights, and bitterns stalk quietly around the wet patches. Ponds formed by runoff have further enriched the area, creating a bustling ecosystem amid the modern infrastructure.

Not long ago, I was fortunate to spot a pair of Barred Buttonquails along these embankments. They were quietly foraging on the ground, nearly invisible due to their remarkable camouflage. Their barred brown and gray plumage blended perfectly with the dry earth, making them easy to miss unless observed closely. It was a rare and thrilling encounter with these elusive ground-dwelling birds, experts at remaining hidden.

The Barred Buttonquail (*Turnix suscitator*), often mistaken for a true quail, belongs to the unique *Turnicidae* family. Unlike most birds, these buttonquails follow an unusual reproductive strategy. In a fascinating role reversal, the larger, more colorful female leads the courtship, while the smaller male takes on the responsibility of incubating the eggs and raising the chicks. This rare behavior is just one example of nature’s remarkable adaptations.

Male smaller in size

Female larger in size

Pair

Barred Buttonquails thrive in areas that offer plenty of cover and food, favoring grasslands, scrub, and forest edges. They are often drawn to agricultural fields, where the quiet environment provides ideal foraging grounds. The motorway’s embankments have inadvertently created such a habitat, giving these birds a safe space to search for seeds, insects, and small invertebrates.

Despite the busy traffic nearby, this new habitat highlights nature's resilience. The construction, designed to elevate the road, has unexpectedly formed grassy slopes that now provide shelter for species like the Barred Buttonquail. Observing this pair reminded me how wildlife adapts and thrives in even the most unexpected places, coexisting with human development.

Observing Mixed-Species Flocks in Shogran during the Summer

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights) 

27th July 2024

In my 12 years of birdwatching and wildlife photography, I believed I had seen most of what the wild had to offer. Yet, a visit to Shogran Hill Station during the vibrant summer monsoon proved me wrong. On this three-day trip, I witnessed something extraordinary—a mixed-species flock of birds foraging together at Siri Paye. At 2600 meters, the pine forests served as the stage for one of my most fascinating birdwatching experiences. Despite the season, this flock exhibited winter-like behaviors, offering an unexpected and enthralling glimpse into their world.

Shogran Hill Station, with its lush greenery and fresh mountain air during the monsoon, is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The forests, alive with new growth and the songs of birds thriving in the season’s bounty, set the stage for my latest adventure. Unlike the harshness of winter, summer in Shogran is a time of abundance, with food more plentiful and birds at their most active. It was in this vibrant environment that I encountered the mixed-species flock—a sight usually associated with colder months, yet just as mesmerizing in the warmth of summer. As I observed the birds, I developed a theory as to why they flocked together: near a small pond in Siri, I noticed a group of more than six Eurasian Hobbies. The mixed flock might have banded together as a protective measure against these predators.

As I trekked through the forest, the sound of fluttering wings and soft chirps caught my attention. There, moving gracefully from tree to tree, was a mixed-species flock—a fascinating blend of birds, each contributing to the collective symphony. Here’s a list of the birds I observed in the flock:

• Coal Tit (4 to 5 individuals)
• White-Throated Tit (1 to 3 individuals)
• White-Cheeked Nuthatch (1 individual, the largest bird in the flock)
• Green Shrike Babbler (1 individual)
• Lemon-Rumped Warbler (1 to 4 individuals)
• Hume's Warbler (1 individual)
• Hudson's Treecreeper (1 individual)
• Speculated Finch (1 individual)
• Green Tit (2 to 4 individuals)
• Himalayan Bluetail (1 individual)

Leading the charge were the energetic Coal Tits, always the first to land on a branch. With four or five of them scouting ahead, they guided the flock to promising foraging spots. Close behind, the White-Cheeked Nuthatch—the largest bird in the group—asserted its presence with sleek, agile movements on the tree trunks, serving as both sentinel and forager. Among the smaller members were White-Throated Tits, Lemon-Rumped Warblers, and Green Tits, each playing its role—some scoured the bark for insects, while others picked at the pine needles. The solitary Green Shrike Babbler and Hudson’s Treecreeper added a touch of uniqueness, their distinct calls blending seamlessly with the others. The Himalayan Bluetail, with its vibrant colors, provided a striking contrast against the green forest, adding grace and beauty to the flock’s movements.

White-Cheeked Nuthatch

What struck me most was the orchestrated movement of the flock. The Coal Tits and Nuthatch were not just foraging; they were leading. As they darted to a new tree, the rest of the flock followed, almost in unison, as if connected by an invisible thread. It was clear that these birds weren’t randomly grouped together; there was a strategy designed to maximize their chances of survival. Mixed-species flocking is a survival strategy. Even in spring, birds must stay alert for predators. The flock relies heavily on its sentinel species—the ones who lead and alert the others to danger. In this case, the Coal Tits and Nuthatch took on that role, their keen eyes and quick reflexes keeping the group safe. If a predator, like a hawk or owl, approached, these leaders would sound the alarm, and the entire flock would freeze—a well-rehearsed act of self-preservation.

Coal Tit

Over two days, I encountered this flock at least six times, each sighting more thrilling than the last. Photographing them was both a challenge and a joy. The interplay of light filtering through the pine trees, the movement of the birds, and the snow-capped peaks in the background created a visual feast for my lens. In the quiet moments between the flurry of activity, I reflected on the sheer beauty and complexity of what I was witnessing. This was more than just a group of birds; it was a testament to nature’s resilience and ingenuity. The flock’s ability to work together, to protect and provide for each other, was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life in the wild.

Green Tit 

As I left Shogran Hill Station, my heart was full, and my mind was buzzing with thoughts of this incredible experience. In all my years of birdwatching, this was the first time I truly grasped the significance of mixed-species flocking. It’s a phenomenon that speaks to the adaptability and intelligence of birds and one I’ll never forget.

Lemon-Rumped Warbler

Himalayan Bluetail

Green Shrike Babbler

Hume's Warbler

White-Throated Tit

Hudson's Treecreeper

Speculated Finch