ROBIN’S VISIT

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

09/VI/2025

The breeze was very cool this morning, very like the desert breeze. The sand would have cooled in the night and now was transferring that cool to the winds. A gust while you walk reacts with the sweat and makes you shiver at times.

The same breeze slowly starts to heat up as the sand and rocks are scorched by the sun. The buildings are made of stone (Bhaata), which is the mainstay of and an alternative for bricks in our city since ages also tends to heat up adding to the rise in the temperature. By midday it turns into ‘Loo’ or very hot air. This warm air blows till eight in the evening after which the mercury dips slowly. It is a daily cycle.

The birds too are feeling the heat. Like dogs pant with their tongues hanging, you can see these dainty creatures sitting with their mouths open and breathing through their beaks. For their temporary relief, we sprinkle the trees with water. These girls shake a feather or two and enjoy the shower.

Plus, an earthen water pot keeps the water chilled and also gives a few of them a chance to enjoy a cold bath, like a cold sponge. But the day is torturous for every bird and beast. A little shade is the only way to save yourself from getting dehydrated, sun burnt and heat stroked. People carry a small onion in their pockets to save themselves from the heat. What is that logic? I am not so sure, but it is part of the folklore of the desert.

Be that as it may. It was bird feeding time in the morning. Bajra seeds went in the grain bowl. Roti pieces on the road and the “Post Box” infront of our house. It is actually an electric junction box but painted in post box colour. On top of it, I spread the rest of the roti pieces.

It was for the first time today that a Robbin blessed our home. It has been around in the colony, but had never come so close to our home in search of food. They are master killers of insects. I have seen them do shikar of all kinds of moths, butterflies, insects, and worms.

The advantage they have is of their size. These birds can meander themselves through dense bushes and hedges disturbing insects. Once insects reveal their positions, they are breakfast.

Today, this birdie found roti on the post box and lying on the road. It must be a change of taste from the routine bitter and powdery moths. Roti covered with a slight layer of ghee must be adding to the flavour. She was quick not to waste time and picked up a few morsels before someone told her to move on. She didn’t wait to get into a scuffle.

I was surprised as Red rumped Bulbuls were the first to show their displeasure. Soon enough the yellow rumped ones also joined the melee. Poor Robbin had no choice but to withdraw from the scene. It was one against four.

The face off ended and the bulbuls went their way. Once the coast was clear the Robin quietly returned. As fast as she could gobble a few more pieces, she ate to her fill. Now the sparrows arrived on the scene, as if asking her, who she was and why was she here? “We have never seen you here, go away and don’t touch our food”, they seemed to emphasise on her.

One-piece yaar, won’t make a difference to the spread you have. The sparrows appeared to me more kind and allowed her to peck on a few pieces. Off the Robin flew to the neighbours house and then to the lawn and finally disappeared from the scene, while the sparrows came down for a drink.

It was interesting to note that birds are possessive and gang up. The red and yellow bulbuls are rivals and do not see eye to eye. They can even peck each other's babies hard to hurt it. A foreigner like a Robin was not welcome at all. Leaving their differences behind they got after her and ensured that till they were the Robin could not enjoy the roti.

All’s well that ends well. Robin returned again for a drink. She looked at me as if to thank me for a sumptuous meal she had had and the most chilled water she had enjoyed lately. She told me that it is time to get back to my ‘family tree’ for the rest of the day, till the Loo subsides.

“Will you come again tomorrow”, I asked? She just chirped and flew off. Did she say she will? I wonder!!!!!