DRY TREES

DRY TREES

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

08/VII/2023

Every tree has a life span. Some live to see generations of humans and some perish way too early. There are many factors which determine their longevity but even after it has lost its greenery, it stands out and adds to the aesthetics of the surroundings where it once stood majestically providing shade.

Plants are fighters. Hail, storms, rain, dry weather or even termites don’t deter it from trying to rejuvenate itself. But destiny plays a crucial role. It may let it live or it may force it to die.

During its heyday a tree when it was ‘green and fruiting’, became a bird’s favourite for frolicking, food, shade, hiding and nesting. Now when dry, it is a favourite for perching. A ‘vantage point’ and placing a ‘look out’ like we had an observation post to keep an eye on the enemy or give corrections for the fall of shots.

Birds have enemies both on ground as well as in the air. They need to be alert and run for cover in time, before they become food for someone else. No better place than a lone dry branch.

Such dry trees also become a favourite ‘basking spot’ for these feathery friends. Birds definitely have an unwritten hierarchy. Who will sit where on the tree is thus determined. If another bird tries to take that place, it will be taken back with all their might, as if they had been dethroned.

This high dry branch also acts as a ‘seat of a musician’ in an orchestra. They chirp and tweet, sing and dance and call out to their partners as if there is no tomorrow. The symphony they play is unique and pleasing to the ears. You tell a man to sing, he may deny that he cannot sing but tell a bird not to sing.

Such places on the dry tree are also to woo their partners. They show their feathers and plumage. Birds hop, skip, and display their ‘wares’ till their better halves accept them and pledge to stay to bring up a family.

Extended branches also help them observe the ground. A worm or an insect trying to wriggle away is picked up from high above by their sharp eyes. A swoop, a pull and back they come from where they dived. If the prey is tough, this dry branch acts like an ‘anvil’. A vigorous shake of the neck beats the daylights of that worm. Action is repeated till it is lifeless and ready to go smoothly down its gullet.

Nectar is another attraction. Birds sitting on extended dry branches look out for honey bees. Bees come for pollen, giving an indication that nectar would be there. Down they come, hover, and suck out the sweet liquid. Again, they return, now to groom and clean themselves from all the dirt they picked up during flights and fights. Once nice, clean, and shiny, they are ready for the show.

While keeping an eye for ‘predatory birds’, they also keep an eye on the sky for the weather. They can sense when a storm is brewing. They also know when it is the time to abandon that perch and fly to safety. They are ‘bird brains’ working overtime.

They raise alarms too. A stray dog or cat passing by makes them uncomfortable. Even a snake or a ‘goh’ turns their sweet melodies into discordant notes. At times, they swoop on such intruders and a ‘chase’ ensues. Plucking out feathers or hair from their potential threat’s body is common.

This perch is also for their chicks to be groomed as ‘future birds’. They bring them along as they teach them to fly. Tricks of the trade, shikar and songs are taught to them. A clear view of the surroundings keeps them safe, till they learn to hunt and defend themselves. On the job training is done from here.

It is great to watch them use dry trees, which stick in human eyes as sore thumbs. On the very first instant such beauties would be axed, pulled away and thrown over the fence without realising that a dry tree has so many uses for these birds. Insects hide in their flaking bark, which is food for them.

What more could such dry trees be used for, except firewood? I wonder!!!!!!!!

JAI HIND