Mysuru: It is a biodiversity hotspot in the heart of the city drawing bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts in large numbers. Now,
Kukkarahalli Lake appears to have turned into a hunting ground for young, budding photographers. The many birds that visit the waterbody, coupled with its rich flora and fauna, are a photographers’ delight, and looking at nature through the lens appears to be turning many young people into conservationists.
Camera in hand, youngsters flock Kukkarahalli Lake in massive numbrs, particularly in the wee hours of the morning and in the evening. Clicking photographs of birds, in particular, appears to have caught the fancy of these budding photographers.
Shylajesh, a bird watcher and photographer, told TOI, “Initially, I started clicking photographs of birds out of curiosity, and then it created a sense of awareness about conservation. The lake remains a hotspot for birds. Also, the timings of the lake are very flexible and since there is very little disturbance, it is a paradise for birds. Clicking photographs of migratory and resident birds gives me a sense of satisfaction.”
Moreover, the lake has turned into a space for learning for youngsters. In the morning, the lake remains open for six hours – from 5am to 11am - giving young photographers ample time to use their lens creatively. Photographers can capture the flight of birds, nesting, breeding, mating and feeding of offspring. In the evening, as the birds return to their nest against twilit sky, the young photographers have the opportunity to further hone their skills in an entirely different setting.
H Phanindra, a city-based IT employee, said that it a visit to the waterbody that inspired him to take up nature photography. “Until the day I walked into the lake, the idea of bird
photography never occurred to me. With its rich flora and fauna, and 100 species of birds, Kukkarahalli Lake is a great place for photographers. It was a dream come true for me when I managed to capture the Paradise Flycatcher birds at the lake. Clicking photographs of birds calls for skill, patience and adequate knowledge about their habitat,” Phanindra told TOI.
Another amateur photographer Skanda Rathnam said, “I started taking photographs of birds around six years ago. I have been visiting the lake regularly ever since. I have spotted more than 100 species of birds, and have captured all of them on my camera. Kingfishers, Purple Herons, Grey Herons, Purple Swamphens, Pelicans and Cormorants are some of the birds I have captured and added to my album. Kukkarahalli Lake has provided a space for me to learn. In fact, the waterbody is a form of beginners’ guide to bird photography.”
DC an avid bird watcter
Among other, Mysuru deputy commissioner Abhiram G Sankar is an avid bird watcher. Sankar, who took charge as the Mysuru DC in April, has been an active member of a bird watchers’ team since. “I have been an active bird watcher since 2007. I enjoy
bird watching, and taking photographs of them is something I cherish. A few weeks ago, when I visited Kukkarahalli Lake, I spotted a rare bird, the Greater Painted Snipe. For a bird watcher, any habitat is a delight. Whether it is a lake or a desert, something stirs in you when you listen to the chirping of the birds,” Sankar told TOI.
He added that he was impressed with the city’s active bird watching community. “When I was in Raichur, I trained a few interested kids. I am very enthusiastic about exploring more aviary habitats,” Sankar said.
Mushrooms spark interest
The copious rain that the city has received has resulted in mushrooms cropping up on the periphery of the lake, and photographers are rushing to the waterbody to capture these fungi.
