WIRE TAILED SWALLOWS RETURN

 WIRE TAILED SWALLOWS RETURN

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

14/VI/2025

 

It was just by coincidence or was it my imagination that I saw a very familiar bird fly past over my head. It was small but very swift and agile. Because I was not wearing my specks, I could be mistaken for what it could be.

 

Birds come to have a drink in the evening from the waterlily tubs on the roof. Besides, there are some water birds like herons and cormorants which fly home at the same time but they fly a little too high for a good photo. Switching from closeups to birds in flight mode takes a little time and adjustment. The birds do not give that much time to change the settings. Never mind.

 

I met many similar birds at the riverfront during their nesting season last year. They skim over the river to catch worms and insects for their little ones and themselves. There aren’t any fish in the water. Most of it is industrial waste and sewage which drains into it and has turned black. Very unfortunate.

 

Last year, it was easy to walk to the river bank, but this year people have erected a Kikkar fence about ten feet high. Mainly to keep cattle at bay. For people like me it becomes a big obstacle. Had it been twenty years ago, I would have taken a chance to negotiate that fence. Sharp thorns are too much to bear if they pierce through your shoes or prick you somewhere. I better stay safe.

 

During my last encounter, these birds led me to where they were nesting. A few of them had also nested under the ledge of a roof in our opposite lane. Besides, they were happy to collect a mixture of mud and straw for their nest from the common lawn infront of our home. A lovely sight to watch.

 

I was excited to identify them. I was lucky. A pair flew to the ledge of our roof window and took a break in this sweltering heat. Their mouths were wide open. They were gasping and panting due to the summer heat. The only thing I could offer them was my waterlily garden, in case they would like to take a dip and a sip. Yes, they were the Wire Tailed Swallows.

 

Today, I was lucky. I had my camera ready to catch them in action. Though the light was fading as the sun was about to set. Still there was a small window to catch them. Having set my camera where they generally sit, I waited for them to arrive.

 

Keeping all distractions away, I stayed focused and patient for my friends to come and perch at that favourite spot. They did not disappoint me and posed for me like they knew and understood me very well. I maintained my distance, less I startled them and missed the opportunity of a click.

 

They were not scared at all. Maybe they were too tired and exhausted from the day’s work. A thought passed my mind, could they be nesting again? Could their nests along the river be destroyed due to the recent heavy rains. That must have forced them to find a new location to build a fresh one. I am conjecturing.

 

The place where they were sitting is east facing and shields them from the high-speed winds and also gives enough shade to beat the heat. These birds have a great sense of all these things. Who teaches them? Your guess is as good as mine.

 

I requested them to join me when there is enough light. They gave me a glance, but kept to themselves.

 

I bid the swallows goodbye and returned downstairs. Will they oblige us by nesting in our window sill? I wonder!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

©® NOEL ELLIS