A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.
Maya Angelou
Pic courtesy: Sudeshna Chatterjee
How many among humans can sing like a bird, I wonder, as I listen to the sweet rendition of a sparrow sitting pretty on my balcony.
Now that winter has settled in, with less foliage and noise along with the guest appearance of migratory birds, chances are you could spot the avian beauties, common and uncommon, easily as they break into a song. But even in other seasons too, you will come across these winged wonders tweeting away. All you need to do is Balcony Birding. That is the contemporary phrase I recently learnt, which basically means observe/explore from the comfort of your balcony and consequently you will be surprised with your discoveries!! You can be living anywhere and will still come across some birds and their songs. And they are not just your usual suspects like crows, pigeons and sparrows. It could be Greater coucal, Red-vented bulbul, Indian white-eye, Purple- rumped sunbird, Black drongo, Oriental magpie-robin etc.
Some years back, I had spotted a White-throated kingfisher in the outskirts of the Maximum City. And regularly hear melody queen Asian koel, even in the City of Joy. Indian mynas are really common wherever I have been. However, I usually see them either solo or in pairs. Never in flocks, like the Rock Pigeons. Rose-ringed parakeets do come even now, perched on the parapet, once, even, kept an half-eaten apple on it. When they look at me, at a subliminal level, their innocent stares stir my heart. I feel happy and hopeful. Bird -watching on one hand relaxes you and on the flip side gives you an adrenaline rush when your antenna tracks an exotica!!
White-throated kingfisher Pic Courtesy: Suhasini Ahluwalia Mehta
Going by eminent estimates, there are over 1300 species of birds in India. Obviously, depending on location (cities have a negative impact on bird diversity according to an international study), the number and variety of species will also vary. Still, if you are at it, you could be as lucky as a Mumbai resident who reportedly spotted 60 bird species, thanks to balcony birding and telephoto lens. Even if you don't own one, your phone camera will do to an extent. Bird watching becomes all the more exhilarating because each of them has an unique flying pattern, voice call along with striking physical features.
When I hear the Indian mynas, their songs along with the cheeps and chirrups of the smaller birds like Scaly- breasted munias and House sparrows create a beautiful orchestra to my ears. Even the harsh caw of the crows and jungle crows work like rhythmic interlocuters in that wide-ranging orchestra!!
Scaly-breasted munia
Pic courtesy: Suhasini Ahluwalia Mehta
Birds teach us some of the best lessons in life beside amusing us with their tweets and antics!! Here, the line blurs between the common and the endangered species.
The first that promptly flashes on my memory inbox is the Weaver bird. But this one will hog the limelight. So, I will keep it for another day.
Next, is the Rock doves. Every morning, for several years now, I have been feeding grains to a dole of doves. Even though the food basket is accessible by them, they would patiently wait for me to open the metal canister, take several handful of millets and spread it across the length and breadth of my balcony floor. Sometimes, when I am late, some would be seen taking a stroll, few would sulk, some other would peep through the glass window or better still, survey from the vantage point of a clothesline! But they would still not loot the food basket. And when the food is served, despite the overwhelming number and several showing a piranha-like rush to devour the grain, each would get their turn to savour their morning meal.
No wonder, they symbolise peace and innocence!!
Rock pigeons/doves
Pic courtesy: Sudeshna Chatterjee
Lesson learnt. That is one part of revelling in the company of these avian beauties.
The other part is the wisdom gained. Birds are constantly engaged- chattering or pottering around. Happy to share the morsels they collect to nibble on. Now and then, peeking into their cosy home, further strengthening it with additional twigs...Yes, the way they thrive with the very basics, happily sharing that too with others and still sing with such felicity leaves an indelible impression on my mind.
Wholesome Mindfulness. Amen.
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