Birds of Lalbagh - Photos by Dr. Seenappa - Article by Sree Gururaja

Bangalore in Karnataka, South India was earlier known as the Garden City of India until the IT boom took over the city with its high rise glass and cement structures. Despite the pressures for urban space, Bangaloreans are proud that they have been able to preserve the historic Lalbagh Botanic Garden of 240 acres, established by Hyder Ali (who usurped the Mysore kingdom ) in 1760. The man-made lake and gardens in Lalbagh attract many species of birds making it popular location for the regular morning walkers and tourists.

 Dr Seenappa, as most of you know from our earlier features, is an avid photographer of flora and fauna, specialising in capturing pictures of birds and wild life. He is a well recognised photographer of the National Geographic magazine.

Over the years, during his morning walks, Seenappa has photographed and collected hundreds of pictures of birds in Lalbagh. Recently, the Horticultural Department of the Government of Karnataka published a book based on Seenappa’s collection. The book,” Birds of Lalbagh Botanical Gardens” was released ceremoniously by the Chief Minister of Karnataka State, on 16 January 2025 at the opening of the bi-annual Lalbagh Flower Show.

The Cover of the Book

The Book presents 101 of the birds sighted in Lalbagh, fascinating in their vivid colours and plumes. Each colour plate has an annotated description of a bird and the index has both the common names and scientific names off the birds in the book. 

Turning the pages, the reader discovers that not all the birds are permanent inhabitants of Lalbagh and some of them migrate there from colder climates ( as far away as Norway) during the winter months, one or two staying for longer. I must admit my favourites are the Great Cormorants and the Painted Stork holding whole fish in their beaks in the lake. As a sample we present here some pictures selected by Seenappa from the book, giving the page references from the book.

Oriental Darter

Indian Pond Heron

Great Egret

Great Comorant

Greater Coucal