Hyderabad birder spots returning migratory flycatcher at Ameenpur
The red-breasted flycatcher has returned to the Ameenpur Lake area for the third consecutive season, delighting Hyderabad’s birding community. Birder Syamala Rupakula also spotted an Indian pitta and other species, despite concerns over the lake’s disturbed ecosystem
Hyderabad: Despite the effects of El Niño, there is something to cheer about this winter for the birding community. The red-breasted flycatcher, a migratory visitor, has returned to HMT Swarnapuri Colony near Ameenpur Lake.
On one of her routine birding visits, Syamala Rupakula, a 45-year-old engineering graduate-turned-birder known for readily sharing information about bird sightings, including rare species in the city, was in for a pleasant surprise. Along with fellow birders, she spotted the red-breasted flycatcher, the Indian pitta, a malkoha and several other species.
“Honestly, just when we were left wondering where else we could spot these beautiful birds, with Ameenpur Lake’s ecosystem badly disturbed, these birds have lifted our spirits,” Syamala told Telangana Today on Sunday after another visit to photograph the species.
“For the red-breasted flycatcher, a migratory marvel from the distant forests of Europe, this is the third consecutive season it has made an appearance here, clearly staving off the threat of urbanisation,” she said. “Interestingly, it has been spotted at the same place where it was last seen,” she added.
“The Indian pitta, which many expert birders say has now been migrating from the Western Ghats, has also returned, much to the delight of birders,” Syamala said.
She has been birding since 2017 and has recorded an impressive 700 or so bird species across India. She now has her sights set on reaching 1,300.
What keeps her motivated? “There is no better feeling than being in the lap of Mother Nature, with these birds making it all the more beautiful,” said Syamala, who is fortunate to have the support of her husband, T Bala Subrahmanya Kumar. A software engineer by profession, he is also an avid birdwatcher and encourages her to pursue her passion.
“I just enjoy watching these birds and being part of nature,” she said.
Her social media posts have sparked excitement and anticipation among the city’s birding community, with enthusiasts likely to visit the location over the coming days in the hope of spotting the returning migrants.
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