Friday, February 25, 2011

Third Sunday Trail - 20th February 2011-Ramakrishna Mission Campus,Shivanahalli

Oriental Honey Buzzard 
(Photo courtesy : Arun Ramu)
Awesome, spectacular,superb....these were the words used by Mahesh and Aniruddha to describe their trek inside the deep forest of Bannerghatta during the Third Sunday's trail. It was not planned at all for them.....when I was wondering as to how to manage the huge group of around 50+ nature enthusiasts, Swamiji suggested that we divide the group...those who want to return early can go for the shorter trails and others can go for the longer trail to Devrabetta. Anand,Priya,Aniruddha and Mahesh decided to go to Devrabetta and rest of us decided to move around the Ashram Campus.
Swamiji was briefing about the planned trek
Swamiji as always gracious enough to again host us for the birding, morning tea and breakfast on our return.He also announced the intended trek to Muttathi from Shivanahalli which need to be kept on hold for the moment due to rains. New dates for Devrabetta trek too will be announced soon. It was nice to see a number of children in the group who seem to have enjoyed this trail too.
Rufous Treepie
(Photo courtesy: Arun Ramu)
I humbly request all the participants who take part in the trails,please dont throw the wrappers / plastics around. Let us all be responsible as nature lovers. 
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher
Here is the combined list of birds seen at the Ramakrishna Mission Campus to Deverabetta.


Grey Fancolin
Grey Junglefowl
Whte-cheeked Barbet
Coppermith Barbet
Common Hoopoe
Indian Roller
White-throated Kingfisher
Green Bee-eater
Asian Koel
Greater Coucal
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Spotted Owlet
Rock Pigeon
Spotted Dove
Black-shouldered Kite
Brahminy Kite
Black Kite
Crested Serpent Eagle
Shikra
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Little Cormorant
Intermediate Egret
Cattle Egret
Indian Pond Heron
Golden-fronted Leafbird
Long-tailed Shrike
Bay-backed Shrike
Rufous Treepie
House Crow
Large-billed Crow
Eurasian Golden Oriole
Black-naped Oriole
Small Minivet
Black Drongo
White-bellied Drongo
White-browed Fantail
Small Minivet
Common Iora
Blue-capped Rock Thrush
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher
Oriental Magpie Robin
Indian Robin
Pied Bushchat
Common Myna
Great Tit
Wire-tailed Swallow
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Red-vented Bulbul
White-browed Bulbul
Jungle Prinia
Grey-breasted Prinia
Tawny-bellied Babbler
Yellow-billed Babbler
Large Cuckooshrike
Ashy Prinia
Plain Prinia
Oriental White-eye
Common Tailorbird
Greenish Warbler(?)
Common Babbler
Jungle Babbler
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Purple Sunbird
Pale-billed Flowerpecker
House Sparrow
Indian Silverbill
Red-wattled Lapwing
Paddyfield Pipit
Lark ( ?) Was it Rufous-tailed?
Sandpiper (?)
Yellow-throated Bulbul(?)
Scaly-breasted Munia
Black-headed Munia
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon



Pl. leave your comments if I missed out on any sightings


Here is Deepa's blog about the outing .....

And I leave you with these photographs ...enjoy...



Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Third Sunday Trail - 20th February 2011-Ramakrishna Mission Campus,Shivanahalli

Its time again to reconnect with nature, and enjoy the flora and fauna around Bannerghatta.
This month's Third Sunday Trail will be held on 20th February 2011.

Meeting point is Ramakrishna Mission School ,Shivanahalli at 6.30 am.

Wikimapia coordinates :  12°43'19"N   77°34'21"E

Trail route is Mission School to Plantation area and Bannerghatta Forest Patch behind the campus.


Comfortable clothing,Good walking shoes, a Cap, water bottle & snacks ,Binocular ( if you have), a camera ( if you like to shoot) ,is what you need.Free and open to all ages who can walk this trail of around three hours .


How to reach Shivanahalli ? Take the Bannerghatta Road from the Bangalore City. Cross the Bannerghatta National Park - the road curves to the left at that place near the Bannerghatta Police Station. Proceed further towards Jigani Industrial township. Halfway, on the right handside you will see the Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli hoarding. (You will also notice a Swamy Ayyappa temple hoarding). Take a right turn there and drive for about 10 kms. Do not take any side roads (rare and few) that you will come along . Travelling through the Bannerghatta National Park reserved forest, you will have to cross the Ragihalli village to come over to Shivanahalli. The Ramakrishna Mission is located at the entrance of the Shivanahalli village.


We recommend car-pooling between participants. While confirming participation please also indicate your contact details and the route you will be taking to reach.If traveling in your own car, please do indicate if any spare capacity is available.

You can confirm your participation by calling me at 9845383882. or Mahesh at 9448384472.
See you all,

Geetanjali Dhar