The short birding in Ernakulam

First half of the day I was in the way from Sreemoolangaram to Fort-Kochin. During the way I two or three time noticed to advertising of Bird Sanctuaries, one of which was directly in Ernakulam, close to the point of my staying to next three days. Of course when I put my baggage in the room I immediately go to the Sanctuary in Ernakulam. I expected to view a lot of birds directly in the city, but there are only very short path for visitors inside the sanctuary. Most of territory of park are invisible to birdwatchers. So I watched only common birds I saw previously.

The most significant observations of the day not related the birds or only the birds. Firstly, I saw the Dolphins! When I moved from Fort-Kochin to Fort-Vypeen by the boat I noticed the jumping Dolphin, all other passengers of boat nothing viewed. What a nice day! I didn't expect it, but I saw Dolphin! Secondly, there are about two hundreds of sleeping Flying Foxes in the sanctuary. One of giant tree is covered by this large animals which looked like a giant fruits. I tried to take photo of all Flying Foxes, but it was impossible.

And thirdly, in sunset a lot of birds were moving from one part of gulf to another one. I first time saw the dark Reef Egrets flying in small groups. I think there were at least five hundreds of large birds like an Egrets, Herons and Kites. The Flying Foxes also moved together with birds. And almost in full darkness I noticed to birds with broad wings and short tail with long central tail feathers. It may be Skua in my opinion, but of course I am not sure, because I viewed it a short time.

1. Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger)

2. Bird Sanctuary

3. Mongose

4. Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)

5. Striated Heron (Butorides striata)

6. The famouse Pale-billed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos)

7. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

8. Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)

9. Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

10. Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

11. Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

12. Sleeping Flying Foxes

13. Sleeping Flying Foxes

14. Flying Fox

15. Ocean