The Long-billed Vulture (LBV) has been a threatened species especially following the use of the drug Diclofenac (source Wiki) by cattle farmers. Recently these species were flagged under the “critically endangered” category. Having seen many posts of these Vultures at Ramanagaram, we decided to go there this morning. Many thanks to Ashwini Bhat for providing us detailed information about this place.
|
|
We had only one agenda for this trip: to see the LBV. But even before we could start looking for them we sighted the Scaly Breasted Munia (our first sighting), a few Indian Robins, Ashy Prinias, WT Kingfishers, Laughing Dove and also an Egyptian Vulture (in flight).
A look through the binoculars on a far-off rock yielded the sighting of a solitary Long Billed Vulture. We set base at the opposite rock and sat watching this lone bird. We saw it preening itself, spreading its wings, walking around the crevice; spent a good one hour with it. It was very far but we were thoroughly engrossed observing its behavior. We were considering ourselves fortunate to have sighted at least one when suddenly there was a spurt of activity. Three others landed, some took off again. At one time, we could see three sitting on the rock and atleast five in flight, with one flying directly above us (and very close). It was an awesome sight.
|
|
Having had our heart’s fill of sightings of the vultures, we headed towards the Ramadevara Betta. After climbing a few hundred steps, we reached the Rama temple. The area around the temple was productive for birding. We had our first sighting of the endemic Yellow-Throated Bulbul. After the temple, the trail led us to the top of the hill. Towards the end were a few steep steps carved out in a huge rock (scary, but safe). At the top, was a plateau where there were not many birds. We did see some tree pipits, the rock agama, some lizard and amazing 360 degree views of the area. With the gentle cool breeze and the solitude of the place we had a very peaceful and soothening experience.
|
|
On the way back, we stopped by a few trees where many Bulbuls (Red Whiskered, Red Vented, Yellow Throated) could be seen and heard. Also, there were quite a few Sunbirds (Purple Rumped, Lotens), Flowerpeckers and Oriental White-eyes hopping from tree to tree. A lot of beautiful, multi-colored butterflies could be seen all along the way down.
A hearty lunch at Kamat Lokaruchi topped up an extremely satisfying birding session.
|
|
