Ali Usman Baig : Mixed-Species Flocks

( 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.