FREQUENT FLIER

 

FREQUENT FLIER

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

20/V/2022

 

This afternoon our ‘Hummingbird’ saga reached its pinnacle. ‘Shadow’ the black one is a frequent flier to our veranda. ‘Brownie’ the brownish greenish one followed suit. Frequent fliers are treated specially to certain privileges. We took the responsibility to provide them the best we could. They now kept flying in and out at will.

 

It has been a privilege to treat these winged visitors. We are learning to take good care of our beloved S&B. Little by little as we get to know them, we started to understand their requirements.

 

Frequent fliers are a pampered lot in Hotels & Airlines. Your bathtub water is at that particular temperature, not too hot and not too cold. The Barman serves your favourite drink before you order one. Special care is taken if you like your drink ‘shaken not stirred’. We are trying to match them.

 

The highpoint of our relationship with these birds came in the last six months of us being here. In the initial three months, there was too much activity. Labour & material would not allow birds to feel comfortable. Once we landed lock, stock, barrel, pots & plants, things eased out. Moment renovation finished; this pair of hummingbirds started visiting us every day.

 

It is peak summer. We ensured that they were served a cool drink on arrival. Soon that drink was sweetened. With so many plants, flowers, insects & nectar, their favourite food was plentiful. By and by we added shade. Preferential treatment had to be given to these sweethearts.

 

Their transformation from extremely shy to bold, from familiar to well acquainted didn’t take much time. They are no more afraid of our presence. The pair whizzes past our ears, sits on the window sill even if we stand in the veranda, hopping, skipping and hanging around the pots.

 

With the nestling season just gone by, we were looking forward to their new born chicks. That ice was broken today. Our darlings brought their chick home. It is such an honour to have that little one sitting on one of our bamboo stools, flapping its wings to glory demanding food.

 

We stayed inside, lest we disturb them. Both the parents were taking turns to feed this chick. While one was away fetching food the other stayed ‘on guard’ in the near vicinity. The bamboo stilts and hanging creepers on pots became the vantage points. They would swing and chirp sending signals to the adorable cutie pie that stay calm, we are close by.

 

Brownie would go for insects and Shadow for sweetened water from the earthen pitcher. As the chick grew hungry it would chirp shriller. One of the parents would return its call. There was a difference in the chirps. One was indicating their location, a kind of GPS I felt, constantly transmitting for the babe not to worry.

 

Or could it be to tell their chick to have patience, food is on its way. It could also be a warning signal that danger lurks, as the chick would suddenly go silent and still. Only to speak when either of them came and fed it.

 

They did numerous rounds regardless of the heat. Parents would alternately babysit and provide security. Like we humans do everything for our children, so did these hummingbirds.

 

One thing that stood out was the obedience of this sweetie pie. Chicks constantly beg for food but on one call from the parents for this chick to keep shut, it would go absolutely quiet and motionless. Parents never got irritated of its behaviour but toiled constantly to get more for this little life.

 

With cats on the prowl and other predatory birds not very far, this five-gram chick learnt its life’s lessons fast. The only way to battle these predators was to shut his mouth and sit still.

 

We do not know, once the chick leaves its nest can it trace back its flight for another safe night. Or does it find a new perch? Does it stay where the parents rest for the night? How does it manage after all?

 

Having had our afternoon siesta, my first reaction was to go and see this chick. It took me some will power to control the urge to hold him and keep it as my pet but desisted the impulse. Having had the opportunity to save and nurture a Mynah and a black & white Robin we could have looked after her but taking it away from the parents made me change my mind. It wasn’t fair.

 

I wish this little birdy well. May you flourish and return to our garden with your brood in due time. May the almighty keep you under his wings always. Will you ‘frequently fly’ to us when you grow up? I wonder!!!!!!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

© NOEL ELLIS