After spending time photographing wetland birds, which are mostly water-dependent species, I felt the urge to explore a different kind of birding habitat. I wanted to see new birds, different behaviour, and a change in landscape.
So once again, I did some research and came across Socorro Plateau.
For those who may not know, a plateau is an elevated flat landform. Unlike wetlands, which are dominated by water, plateaus are usually open, dry, and expansive. These landscapes attract a completely different set of birds, often grassland and open-country species. That contrast itself was exciting.
I left early in the morning and reached Socorro Plateau at around 6:30 AM. It was a beautiful morning. The light was soft, the air felt fresh, and the land in front of me looked endless. Just open space stretching out quietly.
I was genuinely excited.
I started walking slowly, taking it all in. Almost immediately, I could hear birds calling from different directions. That familiar mix of curiosity and alertness kicked in.
The first bird I came across was a Blue-Tailed Bee-eater, beautifully perched. Calm, colourful, and perfectly placed. I managed to get an amazing shot of it, and honestly, it felt like a perfect start to the walk.
As I continued walking, I noticed something perched on a tree ahead. I couldn’t figure out what it was from a distance. So I slowed down, moved quietly, and stepped a little closer. That’s when I realised it was a White-eyed Buzzard.
At that time, I didn’t even know what bird it was. I just knew it was something new for me. I managed to get a nice shot of it, and that feeling of discovering a new bird was incredibly satisfying.
Further along the trail, I came across a moment that made me feel unbelievably lucky.
I spotted a tree with three different birds perched together. As someone still new to birding, this felt unreal. I was genuinely on top of the world. Only later did I realise what I had witnessed, a Drongo, a Hoopoe, and an Indian Roller, all sharing the same perch, each one more beautiful than the other.
That moment stayed with me.
Then came a sighting I was completely unprepared for.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a large black bird flying past. Something about it felt different. Bigger. Heavier. I had never seen a bird like that before. It turned out to be a Malabar Pied Hornbill.
I managed to get just one shot while it was in flight. Not perfect, but enough. Later, it sat on a tree, and although the view wasn’t very clear, I still managed to get a quick sneak-peek photo. For a bird like that, even one usable image felt like a win.
One of my favourite moments of the walk came unexpectedly.
I got an accidental but beautiful shot of a Asian Green Bee-eater with its wings fully open. I hadn’t planned it. I hadn’t anticipated it. It just happened. And the photo turned out stunning. That image instantly became one of my favourites from the day.
Just before leaving, I spotted the last bird of the morning, a Long-tailed Shrike. Calm, composed, and perched perfectly. I managed to get a nice shot of it as well, which felt like a satisfying way to end the walk.
Overall, this was another very solid day of birding and photography. If I had to rate it, I’d easily give it a 4.5 out of 5. New birds, great light, and moments that reminded me why I enjoy being out in the field.
Every trip teaches something new. Sometimes it’s about birds, sometimes it’s about patience, and sometimes it’s just about being present in the moment.
Looking forward to the next journey and seeing what it has in store.
You can also check out my previous Photography Trails blogs, where I share my earlier bird walks, and follow me on Instagram to see more bird photographs from these outings.
Until the next bird walk.