We are observing three species of raptors playing 'tag' high over the lake. A pair of Common Kestrels are the highest in this spiral contest, then a solitary Eurasian Marsh Harrier, and the lowest is a Short-toed Snake Eagle. It is an exhilarating display of aerial manoeuvers, but the rules of the contest are quite clear - if you are smaller than me then you'd better keep to the higher ground ( or sky in this case). So while it all looks quite well-natured as these creatures 'play', I have no doubt that the larger raptor would make the smaller one a prey target if half -given the chance.
On an earlier trip to Chhatra Sagar I had observed a similar scene with just one difference - instead of the Snake Eagle, it was a Bonelli's Eagle. Indeed the checklist here contains several raptors - 17 species if I remember right. And our attention is now drawn to another large eagle that is perched on the sandy shore of the lake. Obviously it has come down for a drink, which it does by wading into the shallow water on its powerful, thickly feathered legs. This invasion of their terrain prompts several River Terns to launch into dive-bombing sallies at the (ducking) head of the intruder. All of us get good looks through binoculars, but we are not sure on the ID. The size suggests an Aquila, but the pale plumage and streaking is somewhat puzzling. I can tell you that between the three of us we must have have observed this particular species dozens of times over the years in different locations, but here and now in the field we are stumped. I am often amazed reading trip reports where raptors are ID'd with ridiculous ease - as if all plumages observed could be of adult birds. Rather than the confusing sub-adult, immature or juvenile; pale or dark morphs; or moulting plumages. Fortunately, this individual takes wing, and now we are able to take record photos and quickly review these to determine it is a (juvenile) Imperial Eagle.
Curiously this superb relative of the Golden Eagle has a peculiar habit when soaring. It will often arch its wings and stoop briefly - almost like a mock dive.
Imperial Eagle (from L to R - after a drink; soaring; mock-dive)
We approach the far bank of the lake walking through a carpet of grass studded with tiny yellow flowers. A mixed flock of wagtails scatters at our approach - mainly white and yellow, but also some citrine and this individual -
Yellow wagtail (black-headed sub-species)
Indian Rollers are aplenty here, protecting their territories from lookout perches. This one allows close approach so that I can record its deformed / broken bill.
Another species of lark that we had missed earlier in the morning, now perches on low dead branches and forages on the ground.
Crested Lark
As I had mentioned in previous post, the vegetation here is varied. For the most part the flat lands are covered with a variety of grasses and shrubs. Downstream of the dam there are several pure stands of trees. The hills are rocky and are not able to support much perennial vegetation.
Roheda Trees
Roheda flower
Echinops echinatus (Globe Thistle) flowers on grassy stalks growing on dry sandy soil. Lilac blooms are protected by inch-long thorns. Locally this plant is known as 'Oont kantalo' - the two words meaning 'camel' and 'thorn'...
Thor - Euphorbia caducifolia
We rest in the shade of a tree, quaffing rose-scented water from a 'chhagal', watching the waders and ducks. It is a little late in the season but there are still flocks of Brahminy ducks, Common Pochards, Tufted ducks, Pintails, Spotbills, Wigeons, Common Teals - and could that be Mallard ? Yes indeed, a pair of Mallards - now an increasingly rare sight in the lakes of Rajasthan.
Amongst the smaller waders, a quick-flying flock looks unfamiliar to me. When they perch at the edge of an island in the lake, we make them out to be Small Pratincole. Excitement rises as Nandi points out an unusual solitary wader in the distance. The scope reveals this to be a Pacific Golden Plover - a lifer for me. Superb. Not far away a pair of Eurasian Curlew call 'cur-lew' and fly up to join a busy group of Black-tailed Godwits. A Black Stork in flight circles the lake several times but is unable to make up its mind where to alight.
The lakeshore supports just two dragonflies / damselflies today. The dragonfly is the Ditch Jewel. Supposed to be one of the most common in India, but still missing from my Rajasthan list, so I am rather pleased to have finally nailed it.
Ditch Jewel
Elegant Sprite ?
In the drier areas one of the commonest day-time moths is this tiny creature. In a nature photo-sharing portal I have seen it described as a Leopard Moth - perhaps someone could corroborate or correct this. It is about an inch long. When the wings are open there is a delicate blue on the inner hind-wings.
As we walk back to the camp, a herd of female and young Nilgai frame the tents in the background.
Till the next post then ...
