In Search of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater


I may not like the hot summers in Pakistan too much with temperatures already in excess of 40 degrees Centigrade. However, on 24 May 2014, I couldn’t help myself and grabbed my gear in the hope of photographing Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. I had been told of a reliable site for this breeding summer visitor to Pakistan. But before I visited this place I travelled to Kalar Kahar to check on the progress of the ASIAN PARADISE FLYCATCHER nesting site. It was good to see that there were four healthy-looking chicks and the female was busy feeding them.

 
Asian Paradise Flycatchers at Riaz
After about an hour, I drove back along the M2 Motorway towards Islamabad but exited at the Balkasar interchange.  A friend had told me that we had to drive about 10 kms from interchange on main Talagang Road. After about 15 minutes or so, we turned right and stopped at what looked good Bee-eater habitat. This place was full of exotic BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATERs. It was terribly hot but seeing these beautiful birds, made me forget everything about the temperature. I took some shots and also saw a EUROPEAN ROLLER, which was nesting along side Bee-eaters.

 
Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters Riaz
I left at around 1900 hrs, to make the drive back to Islamabad with a thought that next weekend I will be driving up to Nathia Gali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to search  the area behind famous Green Hotel for more photographic opportunities and cherish the memories of a lovely times spent there before.

  
European Roller Riaz
Hello RMK, it's Islbirder here. What beautiful shots of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. As you know, I didn't see this species during my time in Pakistan so I am extremely jealous. Many thanks for sharing your photographs. I am looking forward to the results of your birding trip to Nathia Gali; it should be a lot cooler up in the mountains.

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