This morning, an entire contingent of Delhibirders gathered at the gates of the Chattarpur Mandir to explore the Bhatti mines region for birds. And a contingent it was - at least 30 birders in a convoy of cars headed for Bhatti mines where we were greeted by the Eco Task Force. The Eco Task Force had very kindly provided for tea and biscuits, while we waited for a member of the Eco Task Force to come and guide us through the region.
With overcast skies making for a pleasant morning, we headed out to bird. Bird activity was surprisingly low. The first encounter we had with birds involved Long-tailed and Bay-backed Shrikes, a Rosy Starling, Common Babblers, Yellow-eyed Babblers, Green Bee-eaters, Eurasian-collared and Laughing Doves and a Grey-breasted Prinia. A Pied- crested Cuckoo and an Indian Roller (showing-off its magnificent colours in flight) were also encountered on the way back.
Next, we headed to a water body that had been created by the Eco Task Force. Here, a Common Greenshank provided for splendid photo opportunities as it kept flying past us. A White-eyed Buzzard was also seen here.
Moving on, we headed towards another water body. We made regular stops on the way scan the cliffs for Indian Eagle Owls; but without any luck. An Indian Bushlark sitting on a wooden pole gained a lot of attention from all the photographers. Though the second water body hardly had any bird activity, it still managed to thrill the entire group. A Checkered Keelback sunbathed on a rock in the middle of the pond. It sat there for quite some time before going in to the water.
After that, we moved to another part of the Mines. Here, a female Comb Duck kept flying past us similar to the Common Greenshank that we had encountered a little while back. A Black-shouldered Kite and a pair of Shikras were also seen. The target birds for today were Vultures. However, the only vulture that we managed to see was an Egyptian Vulture flying in the distance. Other birds seen here included a Tree Pipit, Common Kestrel, Rufous Tree Pies and a few House Sparrows. A Black-naped Hare was also sighted here.
Finally, we moved to the mess, where the usual Delhibird breakfast took place. In addition to the food being carried by us, the Eco Task Force had so kindly organised an Aloo-pooori breakfast for us.
Not many birds were seen today. There seemed to be more birders than there were birds. Still, the region seems to be well protected and looked after by the Eco Task Force.
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