A Day On A Hillock In Search Of The Famous Grouse

It was unusually hot by the time we reached the top of the hillock. The winter season was rapidly fading away. Already regretting my decision  to wear a sweater, I stood there on top of a rock, scanning the surrounding areas for any signs of bird life.

- Sutirtha Lahiri

A Chestnut-shouldered Petronia called from a tree nearby, its loud call in stark contrast to its size, while a couple of Indian Thick-knees took off from somewhere down the slope in a sudden burst of energy. On a tree-top far away from the elevated land, we spotted a Steppe Eagle, causing a ripple of excitement among the 20 birders whom I had joined that Sunday morning to explore the wilderness of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in south Delhi.

We reached the gates of Asola at 6:45 a.m. Catching up with Dr. Yogesh Parashar, we proceeded to the parking lot to wait for the others. Red-breasted Flycatchers were calling out loudly from the mesquite trees, while a Hume’s Warbler flitted amidst the upper canopy in search of its first prey. When everyone arrived, we assembled at the gates, and followed Lakhan and Prashant into the wilderness.