A NEW BIRD IN TOWN

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

28/III/2025

 

Last night it appeared the winds had gone mad. They blew hot and cold. Sand particles ‘rode’ on the breeze along with leaves which the trees are shedding. The first draft of the breeze on opening the door was as if the cold wave had returned.

 

The almond tree infront of the house had gone absolutely bald, with not even the ‘last leaf’ left, and has now started to sprout. New light green shoots look very soothing to the eyes. The Drumstick trees have thrown up numerous fruit pods which hang like dangling needles about to shoot towards the ground.

 

Once dawn had broken, it was time to inspect the garden. Having done that, it was time for my usual cup of tea and meet and greet passersby.

 

That is when my ears caught an unusual bird call very close. We are used to the whistling conversations of Greeny the green pigeon, besides tweets of the hummingbirds and chirps of sparrows and coos of the doves. However, this sound was different and gruff. For a person like me who keeps a keen ear for bird sounds, could not make out which one this was. This needed a ‘dekho’ and a little investigation.

 

Out came my camera and went for a stroll around the common garden from where those calls were emanating. With the onset of spring the leaves are now turning into thick canopies. To spot this bird would be a little difficult. Besides, my presence could spook them. Maybe, I would just get a glimpse. It was worth a try to know who this new visitor was.

 

I reached the end of the lane near the boundary wall as they kept hopping from tree to tree. Outside the wall there are huge kikar trees where many birds perch. Just when I was trying to shade my eyes from the sun and see through the dense foliage, I saw some movement. There was a shuffle in the tree.

 

It was a bird alright but which one was the question. It was time to put the zoom of the camera to good use. It was a spotted bird and had its back towards me. It sat in the shadows due to which even the camera could not pick it up clearly. Only when she moved was I able to spot her.

 

Another spotted bird in our colony is the Koel. There are a few pairs who frequent our lane, but their cooing sounds are just too distinct. I froze with my lens trying to capture the bird. She kept motionless too. Luckily, there was no vehicle or human who passed by or else it would have been game over.

 

Just then a strong gust of wind came by and swung the tree violently. The top most branches where this bird was perched got lit. The bird got exposed in the sun and I now saw it nice and clear. Capturing her meant changing camera settings. I lowered the camera to take a picture later.

 

Just then I heard another call from somewhere within that tree. It meant they were a pair. To get a better angle, I took a few steps sideways. While moving, I crushed some leaves under my shoes. That is when ‘her majesty’ turned her neck and looked down at me. It didn’t take me a second to identify her. Her curved beak was a give away.

 

I was the “kebaba mai haddi”. She was with her partner and were obviously dating. Hello below there! I thought I heard her call. Hi! I know you well, I replied. Do come home, like you did last year and posed for me.

 

The turbulent wind went silent and she again disappeared into darkness. A call from her partner was what she was waiting for and both took flight. The majestic birds flew overhead and soared away. It is not necessary to take a picture every time. Hope to see them again soon.

 

They were a pair of “Shikra’s”. Will they return to pose for me again? I wonder!!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

©® NOEL ELLIS