As 2014 draws to a close, many of us like to look back at the year that went by, some like to look forward to the next year, some pray for success ahead, while some thank the greater power for past gifts. Some have a plan for the next year, while others look for opportunities. I was curious to see how the avian world perceived it. So, on Christmas day, when I took out my socks and found my car keys inside, I took it as a portent and headed out. Anekal, Thally, Denkanikottai, Bettamugilalam, Panchapalli and Hosur were the waypoints. The Christmas gift, as it turned out, lay in the 39 sightings and associated pictures.
- Indian Silverbill (Lonchura malabarica)
- Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata)
- Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
- Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus)
- Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)
- House Crow (Corvus splendens)
- Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)
- House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
- Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata)
- Montagu’s Harrier (?) (Circus pygargus)
- Booted Eagle (?) (Hieraaetus pennatus)
- Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
- White-cheeked Barbet (Megalaima virdis)
- Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)
- Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
- Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
- Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)
- White Throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
- Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
- Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
- White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens)
- Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
- Common Coot (Fulica atra)
- Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
- Shikra (Accipter badius)
- Common Hawk-cuckoo (?) (Hierococcyx varius)
- Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicatus)
- Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia)
- Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii)
- Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
- Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)
- Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
- Feral Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)
- Bay-backed Shrike (Lanius vittatus)
- Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)
- Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
Text, awful puns and photos: Andy
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