Early one morning over this weekend, we went birding at Timber Depot, a well-known birding hotspot in Dandeli, located within the Kali Tiger Reserve. Apparently the previous few days were rainy and cloud, but we were welcomed by glorious sunlight filtering through the trees lining the entry road. It felt like the forest had hit the refresh button.

Soon, we stumbled upon a spectacular sight: a cluster fig (not sure of the exact species) tree in full fruiting glory. What followed was nothing short of a wild avian banquet. Over 40 birds had descended upon the tree, turning it into a buffet, complete with fluttering wings and nonstop feeding in a true frenzy!

Yellow-footed Green Pigeons jostled for space with Grey-fronted Green Pigeons (formerly Pompadour).

Malabar Pied and Malabar Grey Hornbills were busily plucking figs with their oversized bills—tossing them into the air and swallowing them whole.

Coppersmith and Malabar Barbets darted through the canopy, munching on figs. Tiny Indian Yellow Tits and Asian Tits flitted about busily, joined by Common Ioras and the regal Green Imperial Pigeon.

Remarkably, the birds seemed completely unbothered by our presence, too engrossed in their feast. We later learned that a former IFS officer had purposefully planted fruiting trees along this lane after the depot stopped functioning fully and was converted into a storage area.

The morning only got better with the arrival of the highlight: a Great Hornbill! Its massive form and commanding presence left us speechless as it perched and fed on the same tree.

Fruiting trees like this fig are ecological cornerstones. They offer food to a wide variety of species and play a vital role in maintaining the balance and biodiversity of tropical forests. To witness this incredible moment of coexistence and ecological harmony was nothing short of a delight. In just one morning, a single fig tree reminded us of the silent, essential work nature does to sustain life, beautifully, dynamically, and effortlessly.

Fruiting trees are such a happy place 🙂

Nature Observations Photo Logs #birdwatching #nature #travel art Barbets biodiversity birding birdphotography BirdsofKarnataka birdwatching dandeli DandeliWLS earthlynotes ecotourism environment forestlife FruitingTree GreatHornbill GreenPigeons Hornbills HornbillsofIndia indianbirds kalitigerreserve karnatakawildlife naturelove NatureLovers natureobservation naturephotography theearthlynotes tropicalforests wildlife wildlifephotography wildlifewatch