Savour this – the rare Lanceolated Warblers were seen after years in one of the reed beds in Baruipur (Patch 16). The same patch is home to the indomitable King Quails, which were first sighted in another patch in Baruipur, three summers ago for the first time, which was again a record in itself, the last record being in the 1960s. The amazement doesn’t end here. Move deeper and you might stumble into a pair of shy Chestnut-eared Buntings in a vacationing mode (patch 16). And if you tread cautiously you might even get the chance for an impromptu tete-a-tete with the ghost of the marshes – the male Pied Harrier. If you are enamoured by raptors, then look up—you might even find a pair of mighty Indian Spotted Eagles floating with the clouds just above you. Jostling for air-space might be a solitary pigeon-faced Oriental Honey Buzzard, a couple of Crested Serpent Eagles with their beautifully printed underwings, and even the indomitable Changeable Hawk Eagles. During winter, a few more marsh harriers might add to your company. Last winter, for instance, a couple of Peregrine Falcons had enthralled the birdwatchers with their presence, and stories of their speed were a trending topic for a good fortnight or so. Last but not least, you also have a resident Common Kestrel, a trio of Black-winged Kites, and a few Black Kites and Black-eared Kites to add to your spirits. Undoubtedly, a bonanza for raptor lovers. In fact, the uncluttered horizon might be just apt for stargazers at night and raptor lovers during the day.