Pelican's Paradise !!

Indeed, it was a paradise of Spot-Billed Pelicans. The location--Madiwala Lake, Bengaluru. Though I pass through this lake to my work place, I never had been inside the park premises to do a bird count. I should thank my cab driver who repeatedly asked me to visit the lake. He also told me about boating. Finally, me and my friends visited this lake and were astonished.

With few inputs about boating and park entry from a fellow birder, we reached the lake by 830 AM hoping to get into boats. This lake is being maintained by forest department. 

The boating counter was opened by 10 AM, though it was put up that it starts from 9 AM. They are so damn punctual..!!

Left side of the park is clean, the guards were cleaning the plastic trash. However, the right side of the park was filthy, mainly because of fishing. The lake water was obviously polluted, I could see dead fishes near to shore. Many were using traditional techniques to fish. 

We took the tickets and hopped into a paddle boat. Thus began an awesome waterfowl expedition.

Spot Billed Pelican--Juv

Boating at Madiwala lake is worth every penny. Pelicans were friendly, they were so close to our boat. We did not bother them at all. They showcased themselves as we clicked continuously.

Spot Billed Pelican.

Pelicans Roosting.

The Flight.

Peace.

A juv pelican follows a sub-adult.

Pelicans head count had come down when we went to the lake, there were about 80. Apparently the count was about 180 at the start of the season, mainly breeding. Adult pelicans were teaching the young ones how to wade through the still water and find food.

Spot Billed Pelican.

Pelicans are mighty birds. With broad wing span and a spotty long bill, they have a distinguished way to catch fish. 

An Elegant look.

Apart from pelicans, we saw plenty of other aquatic birds. Everything was up-close. It was very nice to see them preening, feeding young ones, wading through silent water, flying here and there.

Black Capped Night Heron.

Oriental Darter.

Darter roosting.

Gray Heron.

Gray Heron.

Little Cormorant.

Greater Cormorant.

Painted Stork.

Purple Heron.

Brahminy Kite.

Location: Madiwala Lake can be easily located. It is near to BTM layout, before Central Silk Board.
Park Timings: 630 AM to 11 AM, 4 PM to 6 PM.
Boating: 9 AM, 4 PM.
Entrance ticket: 10 /-, Photography: 100/-. Parking available inside.
Best time to visit: Post Monsoon.
What to expect: Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Kingfishers.
Few stuffs that might embarrass you: Plenty of trash to the right side of the lake. Couples interaction inside the park. Annoying sounds made by paddles while boating.
Good things: Nursery area is maintained pretty well. Afforestation to the extreme right side of the lake. Kid's play area inside the park. Trash bins are provided inside park premises.

Ebird checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S21341492