MY MODELS

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

20/VI/2025

 

After heavy rains last evening the parched earth got drenched thoroughly. One could see trails of fallen leaves along the road where the water passed by. The drain holes were where the leaves had congregated. Numerous shapes, varied sizes, contrasting colours, all had gathered at one place. A lesson for humans.

 

At the first glance in the garden, there were two more water lily colour buds which had spouted. Unfortunately, the ones which had bloomed yesterday were battered by the rain. They were hurt and injured badly. Some petals had fallen. I could feel their pain.

 

After the rains, birds also frolic. A free wash and lowered temperatures give them respite from the torrid heat. They have their day chalked out, foraging, hunting, having a drink, romancing, chirping, and tweeting till evening falls.

 

Just then I heard the ‘Crow Pheasant’s’ call, “Ghuk-Ghuk-Ghuk-Ghuk”. He had found a tree in the common garden and was exchanging notes with his partner who was replying in the same tone and tenor from a distance. I wanted to click some photos, but had chores to attend to in the garden.

 

Having done those, I mounted on my ‘Bullet’ with my camera to take a round of the colony to see if I could get some good shots of my “models”.

 

I didn’t find any so I turned back home. Instead of turning in our lane, I took the adjacent lane, at the end of which our colony boundary wall is under repair. From there, I have heard calls of ‘’Peafowl. Till the time the wall is low, I might catch a glimpse of these majestic birds.

 

Across the wall is a cremation ground. It rarely has human presence, unless being utilized for what it is meant for. Peacocks roost and feed there.

 

Oh Boy! On the roof of the cremation shed were a pair of peacocks calling as loudly as they could. Those sounds are akin to cat calls, like a loud “meeaaoo”. I was ready and got into action immediately.

 

Of all the places, they chose a cremation ground. They roam around at places where human presence is minimal. The ones on the ground flew up to the tin roof. Soon there were six or seven of them roaming on the shed. My trigger finger went ‘click-click-click’. They did a ramp walk for me, till passers by as usual asked, “photo kheench rahe ho”. What can you reply?

 

One distraction can let the photo go out of focus. If you stay silent or reply with your back to them, it becomes discourteous. The birds got conscious and started to fly away into the adjacent field one by one. Luckily, I had captured a few photos.

 

Just then I heard the call of the “Pheasant Crow” very close. I turned and there she was not even five meters from me, sitting on a tree scanning the floor for insects and reptiles. She was aware of my presence but ignored me completely. Maybe, it was hunger which made it so bold.

 

She glided to the ground where lots of cement bags were strewn around. They were covering construction material under it. This bird got something to eat, probably a fat cricket or a juicy grasshopper. Then our girl enjoyed a drink of water. Rain water must have got collected in pockets of the empty cement bags. Pure and natural water must be tasting like a cold drink.

 

I stood still with my back to the wall under construction. Sometimes one needs to take a break and enjoy what the bird is up to. However, people from the house nearby started their car which startled my model, who took off towards the fields I spoke about.

 

As I was about to jump down from the raised embankment, Ms Robin appeared from nowhere. She was calling me. I heard her sing, which was music to the ears. The bird sat a little awkwardly with the tin sheets merging her coat with the brown and rusted background. I requested her to move a little.

 

Our girl obliged and shifted slightly, giving me a good pose and my finger pressed to click. She too was quite close, rather closest ever to me. I thanked her and moved home.

 

It is so much fun when you are outdoors. They are the same birds which you see every day. However, their behaviour, body language, their way they engage with you and amongst each other makes your day.

 

How do I thank my birdie friends enough? I wonder!!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

©® NOEL ELLIS