Rawal Lake Who Pulled the Plug Out?

In the current heat wave an early start is a good strategy to increase the potential number of species. So, although not something to look forward to, the alarm clock was set for 0400 hours. As we made our way to Rawal Lake a RUFOUS TREEPIE flew across the road with a backdrop of threatening clouds that suggested the imminence of the first monsoon rains of the season; however, subsequent bright sunshine and scorching heat later in the day negated that aspiration. There was a thunderstorm during the night but no associated rain and on the approach to Rawal Lake, the need for rain was only too apparent.

As usual, the drive along the track to ever increasing expanse of shoreline produced calls of GREY FRANCOLIN from the small area of cultivated fields. Passing through the, now, dried grasses that fringe the lake’s original shore we had excellent views of ORIENTAL SKYLARK, the chestnut wing panels of which were highlighted beautifully in the early morning light. On the shorter grass were large numbers of PADDYFIELD PIPIT most of which were chasing insect prey along the ground whilst others chose whichever piece of elevation they could find from which to call.

Little Ringed Plovers Lynne Newton

As we made our way onto the now dry lakebed two waders were inadvertently flushed. It was a pair of LITTLE RINGED PLOVER; several other pairs were seen and were undoubtedly breeding so our progress on foot was made with great care and attention. Other birds busy with parental duties were the 40 or so RED-WATTLED LAPWING that we saw. Many were caring for their young of varying stages of development whilst others were still sitting on eggs. All were active in warding off marauding HOUSE CROW and BLACK KITE.

On the water only one species of Duck was represented and only one individual of that species. It was a lonely looking male COMMON TEAL, supposedly a winter visitor to Pakistan. Also on the water were 30 LITTLE CORMORANT. It is amazing how this species has adapted to this area of Pakistan. Correspondents from the 1980s considered them rare.

Aerial activity consisted of the toing and froing of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON seemingly undecided about whether it was time to roost for this predominantly nocturnal species.

Black-crowned Night Herons Lynne Newton

LITTLE EGRET fielded around the boundary of the lake’s water and were interspersed with the hundreds of plastic bags that have been thoughtlessly discarded into the water. Visitors to Lake View Park could be forgiven if they thought they had just paid to visit a rubbish dump. We welcome the time when plastic bags and polystyrene burger boxes are banned, not just from Pakistan but also worldwide! Another Egret species noted were several Cattle Egret. Although there is still some debate several authorities now treat Western and Eastern Cattle Egret as not just subspecies but full species in their own right, the Western Cattle Egret and Eastern Cattle Egret. Apparently, there are some physical differences between the two and these are most obvious in the populations of Eastern Cattle Egret that populate the drier parts of Iran and Pakistan. However, as there are believed to be so few birders in those areas there is little data. With the possibility of an ‘armchair tick’ I am hoping to spend much more time studying the EASTERN CATTLE EGRET around Islamabad instead of giving them a cursory glance. Or, alternatively, should I get a life?

Immature Black-crowned Night Heron in early morning light Lynne Newton

 Also around the lake edge were the little and large of the heron world; the tall and elegant GREY HERON and the diminutive INDIAN POND HERON or Paddybird as it is colloquially known. Some of the latter were sporting their spectacular plum-coloured breeding plumage.

Adult Indian Pond Heron Lynne Newton

From vantage points on the areas of green and lush grass where once there was water BLACK DRONGO and two LONG-TAILED SHRIKE launched sorties upon their insect prey. This breeding season appears to have been exceptionally good for PIED BUSHCHAT as there were scores of juveniles amongst the taller vegetation.