Paddy fields near Kumarakom

When I was going to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary I notice the open area which are more likely paddy fields. This fields locating near the main road are not so large like the Puzhakkal ones, many people live in the sides of local channels, and the large lake Vembanad situated near these fields. In think due the latter reason I saw the flocks of flying birds, twice I saw the large flocks of Northern Pintails, once Lesser Whistling Ducks, once flock of Garganeys, once flock of Black-tailed Godwits, and once two flocks of Glossy Ibises. All of these birds were flying in the lake direction. I think that's locally movements from the places of night rest to the feeding spots.

Some fields are covered by water and not look like a fields but like a ponds. Here I found two Bronze-winged Jacanas, some White-breasted Waterhens, all three species of Kingfishers, of course Egrets, Cormorants, and Darters.

The trees near channels were observed by me too, but all the birds I found in trees are previously were watched by me. All of birds are common: Asian Koel, Rufous Treepie, Indian Golden Oriole, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Rose-ringed Parakeet, etc.

One field looks like wet meadow. The flying above this meadow Marsh Harrier was regularly flushed the flock of Black-headed Munias which tried to land after some quickly rounds, but the flying Harrier denied them to do it. I took some photos of the far flying flock, and next day tried to deep to meadow, but it is impossible, because the land under the grass is not hard surface, it's floating grass just looking like meadow.

When I go to Kumarakom I ask the driver or conductor “Could I get Kumarakom?” or simply “Kumarakom?” The morning when I going to visit paddy fields, not only me but another guy with large bagpack asked conductor “Kumarakom?” together with me. I thought this guy is birdwatcher too, and I wanted to ask him – are you going to Bird Sanctuary too? It's so easy to ask another man in morning bus, which is never be full. But I didn't it. Because birding is individual action. When man go to birding alone means he want to be alone. But perhaps he even is not birder )))

Sure, birding is individual action. I was alone, and I watched birds. I listened the voice of man, I turned and see the familiar face from Facebook. “I know you” - I said. “Yes, I am Biju Soman” - answered man. Birding is individual action, but I was happy to view the friend from FB, which I never see in real. He seems recognized me from the car window. Unbelivable meeting. Sure, Biju is my most significant record in the day )))

1. fields look like ponds

2. Black-Headed Munias (Lonchura malacca)

3. Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola)

4. Ashy Woodswallow (Artamus fuscus)

5. Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)

6. Cattle and Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis coromandus)

7. Chestnut-Tailed Starling (Sturnia malabarica)

8. Garganey (Spatula querquedula)

9. Stork-Billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)

10. Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata)

11. Bronze-Winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus)

12. pond flowers

13. Shikra (Accipiter badius)

14. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

15. Askar Isabekov and Biju Soman