If you see three Brown-headed gulls in a lake, how do you make add another fifty to give them company? Throw a few bread or biscuit pieces in their directions – and you will have dozens appear like magic to be the early bird who gets the crumbs.
[Click on any of the images for a larger view]
I discovered this when I started feeding the few birds in the lake, and did not even realize when the others came in. It was a delightful experience playing with them after that. Every bit of biscuit I threw amongst the birds saw them flap and waddle to get it, jostling each other in the process. Those flying around would swoop down and add to the commotion, even as some would just wade around with the peaceful countenance of the Buddha. The latter either had full stomachs, or preferred finding food in a more dignified manner.
The flight of the bird immediately conjures up images of Jonahan Livingstone Seagull even amongst those who have not read the book; this species flies low over the water in direct purposeful flight, with low wing beat and frequent gliding. It is not easy getting close to this bird, as it takes wing at the slightest approach of human or other danger. They might entertain many like me when offered biscuits, but their regular diet is a richer one comprising fish, insects, slugs and green shoots.
You can expect to find this bird at Tso Moriri and Tso Kar too in the summers, and westwards along the Indus valley during the spring and autumn migration.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Ajay ..nice pics and good informative artical. even i got the chance to capture soem of these beauties with my camera. i loved clicking them for good about an hour in the 1st week of june. some of the pics have come as master shots.
Hi Anil, thanks. Would love to see your pics too if they are online anywhere.
Pangong is a dream i still dream…been there,, but still cant convince myself that such a beautiful place exists…
Hi Ajay,
your blog is totally beautiful and photographed and also excellently written. It is a joy to read! bless you!
I agree Ankur. I wish we manage to keep it as pure and beautiful.
Thanks Ruthi. This is just the kind of appreciation that keeps me going. Thank you for your wishes.
Fabulous pictures. What time of the year is migration season for such birds?
On our way to Pongong lake on 3rd September this year we encountered snowfall. We could not go to the lake. Does this happen very often? I would surely try to go there sooner rather tahn later. In the mean while I really have enjoyed the photographs.
Thanks,
Vishwas.
Hi Vishwas… Snow can happen anytime in Ladakh especially in the higher altitudes. Hope you eventually managed to get there – or I wish you do in the future. Cheers…