Indian Pond Heron (Ardreola grayii) is commonly known as Bagla,Andha Bagla, Chama Bagla, Khunch Bagla etc in India.It is an egret like marsh bird chiefly earthy brown when at rest , but with glistening white wings , tail and rump flashing into prominence as soon as it flies.In breeding season it acquires a maroon hairlike plumes on back , and long white occipital crest.Sexes are alike.They are found singly or loose parties at jheels or ponds.Their distribution is throughout the Indian union.They are found where ever there is water,river, jheel ,road-side ditch,kutchaa well or temple pond , often even in the midst of a populous town,also they are found on the sea-coast in mangrove swamps,tidal mud-flats etc.
Its normal method of feeding is to stand hunched up at the water's edge, watching patiently for movement and jabbing at the quarry when opportunity offers.Sometimes it wades into the shallows , moving forward stealthily and with circumspection, neck craned and bill poised in readiness.It feeds on frogs,fish,crabs and insects.Its flight is typically with steady wing beats and neck pulled in.It roosts in large leafy trees in mixed congregations of crows and other birds.
Nesting season is chiefly from May to September(SW monsoon) and the nest is a untidy twig platform like that of a crow and situated in a large mango ,tamarind and such like trees shared with other egrets.
The photographs of this Indian Pond Heron has been taken at the lake near Baran bridge, Bijpur,Dist-Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh , India.
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