Bird Walk at Sirudavoor Lake, near Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Nine participants joined guide Praveen Pandian at Sirudavoor Lake, Chennai, for a walk that began with a brief spell of rain before clearing to reveal excellent birding across multiple habitats. In the grassland, the group enjoyed good views of Tricoloured Munia, Baya Weaver and Scaly-breasted Munia, before moving on to the wetland, which delivered a strong mix of resident and migratory species including Northern Pintail, Garganey, Common Greenshank and Wood Sandpiper alongside all three kingfisher species, Asian Openbills and various egrets. A particular highlight was an Intermediate Egret caught landing a fish, giving everyone a close look at active feeding behaviour, along with a flock of eight Indian Pied Starlings and a Western Marsh Harrier scanning the wetland from a distance. The scrub habitat added a fine Shikra sighting to the list, and just as the walk seemed to be winding down, two showstoppers appeared in quick succession — a male Streaked Weaver gave a long, unhurried view that let everyone photograph it at leisure, followed by a Short-toed Snake Eagle seen scanning the area for prey. The group wrapped up with an excellent 51 species recorded across the different habitats, making for a memorable morning that showcased the full diversity Sirudavoor Lake has to offer.