The Heat of a G5 Garden


The weather is definitely warming up in Islamabad as the mercury touched 45 degrees Celsius today, Friday 22 June 2012. However, even in the heat of the early afternoon there was plenty of activity in a G5 garden. That said, the JUNGLE BABBLER flock that usually number seven in total could only muster three today.

Jungle Babbler Lynne Newton
There were still good numbers of PURPLE SUNBIRD feeding on the orange flowers of the tree; or more correctly the plant covering the remains of a dead tree. These noisy little birds are a delight as they flit between nectar and the water tubs around the garden. Amongst them were juvenile birds.

Juvenile Purple Sunbird Lynne Newton
Alarm calls emitted from several RED-VENTED BULBUL were aimed at a female ASIAN KOEL that had landed in the nearby trees. It is an amazing creature and almost reptilian in its appearance. It reminded me of the lizard-like features of the EURASIAN WRYNECK that had been a passing visitor to the garden recently. The Bulbuls' aggression appeared misplaced as ASIAN KOEL parasitise House Crows.  

Female Asian Koel Lynne Newton
The monotonous call of a COPPERSMITH BARBET resounded around the garden. Its origin was a bird in a tree close by. More often heard than seen it was nice to obtain good views. The bird has its bill open in an attempt to lose body heat.

Coppersmith Barbet Feeling the Heat Lynne Newton
A surprise was to witness the appearance of a GREATER COUCAL on the lawn as this species, although easy to spot, try to be a little more secretive. An impressive bird that when it decided to, had a little trouble getting airborne.

Greater Coucal Lynne Newton
The stars of today’s show was a pair of ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET, very common here but always good to see. These birds are very loud when in flight but have the ability to almost 'disappear' amongst the foliage of trees.

Rose-ringed Parakeets Lynne Newton
Other birds observed were HOUSE SPARROW, ORIENTAL MAGPIE ROBIN, COMMON TAILORBIRD, BRAHIMNY STARLING, BLACK KITE and COMMON MYNA. Most which were seeking shade beneath the shrubs and hedges.
 

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