Kidoor Bird Festival 2019--Visit to Gumpe.

It was 5 in the morning, the weather outside my room was humid. Darkness mixed with morning fog embarked the roads of Kidoor. With fresh mind and soul I walked towards the camp where a bus was waiting for all the birders to travel to a place called "Gumpe". The name simply means hillock in local language. This was one of the transect to cover as part of Kidoor bird festival.
One of the convenor of the bird fest: Prashanth Krishna, had spoken a lot about this transect the previous evening. It was supposed to be a raptors arena because of the altitude and grassland habitat. As always, new place to explore and perhaps new lifer, that is what it is.

The bus left us at a point from where we had to climb up the hill. It was still foggy and dull. All we could hear were the cracking noise of seven sister's bird. As we gradually ascended the hill, the grassland started to show up its elegance. The grass had dew drops indicating the weather was still fresh and moist. Sun was finally up to his glory and the skies were blue...Gumpe was green with absolutely no plastic..!

Jeep track on Gumpe grassland.

Gumpe Grassland.

The habitat was appropriate for raptors but I guess the time we visited was perhaps was not right. But fresh air with mild sunlight pleased me. I walked along the foot trail in search of sandgrouse, partridge and other birds. Some of the resident species like fairy blue birds, orioles, paradise flycatcher showed up as we trekked to the hill top.
The height of the grass acted as a shield to small reptiles, birds and mammals preventing the birds of prey to attack them. However, it did not stop us to get the sight of one of the top five venomous snakes of India; "The saw scaled viper".

Saw scaled viper.

Saw scaled viper measures about a foot in length. This picture gives an idea how tiny the reptile is. It blends itself with the surroundings very well to avoid attacks and preying on its prey. It makes a sizzling noise to warn the predators.  

Group photo of the participants at Gumpe.

Another surprise was awaiting as we began to descend the hill. A huge raptor was roosting on top of a  shrub tree. As we advanced towards the bird it was none other than Short toed snake eagle. First ever sighting in that area and it thrilled everybody.

Short toed Snake Eagle.

The short toed snake eagle is generally seen in grasslands and shrub forests where rodents and reptiles are abundant.

Interesting behaviour of a Golden flame-back woodpecker was observed when the bird was constantly hitting the wooden hinges of a window of a residential house.

Grey Breasted Prinia.

We headed back to the camp with fond memories at Gumpe. Now it was time for a quick breakfast followed by a session on Raptors.

Session on birds of Prey by the expert.

The event was concluded by Maxim Rodrigues who provided an insight to the list of Birds found in Kasargod and also the work they have been doing from past few years. The feedback session was duly noted by the organisers who assured to do their best to improvise the event next year.

I checked with Raju Kidoor if there was any other place to explore since there was good time for me to catch bus back to bangalore. He suggested a wetland called "Bambarana Bayalu". The visit was worth it.

Siberian Stonechat.

Plain Prinia.

Booted Eagle (pale morph).

Booted Eagle (dark morph).

Plum Headed Parakeets.

Blue Tailed bee eaters.

Vernal Hanging Parrot.

And finally, something extraordinary.

A fruit eating bat flew from nowhere and landed upside down on a banana tree to feed on the plantain flower. 

Flying fox.

I really appreciated the work and efforts put by Raju Kidoor and Maxim in organising such a big event with little fundings. Their kind gesture and smile towards fellow birders really impressed me and am sure they'd continue the good work. Hope to visit Kidoor soon for more action.


Ebird checklist:
1: Gumpe hills: https://ebird.org/india/shared?subID=UzYxMzE3NTY4&s=t
2: Bambarana Wetlands: https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S61993627
Date of Visit: Nov 10, 2019