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A NEW VISITOR

 


 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

21/VIII/2025

 

My natural alarm bell rang quite early this morning. It was time to pick up the newspaper and get onto the morning chores.

 

A blast of hot and humid air hit me in the face as I opened the front door. It has been more than two weeks since this kind of weather has been prevailing. Crops are begging for rain. However, we are being served a heavy dose of clouds only. May the rain god shower his blessings.

 

It was time to sit and enjoy the front view of the garden with roti in my plate. My breakfast was hours away, but this was for the birds who sing with full gusto on seeing me. Their anxiety was palpable & their hunger pangs were understood. They eagerly awaited my arrival for their favourite meal. Having peeped into the grain feeder, it had enough grains, but roti they just cannot resist.

 

As I broke roti into tiny morsels, a small bird came and sat on the wooden support of the passion flower vine. I knew her well. She has been a regular visitor to our garden. These girls have nested in the Champa tree. Many lost their eggs and nests in storms. She flew away before one could get into a conversation with her. She will return soon with her clan, was a feeling from within.

 

The surprise of the day was yet to follow. I got busy feeding the fish and pouring water in pots which need it to go through the day. All tasks done, I again sat on my chair to absorb the refreshing greenery and blooms.

 

Generally, I carry my camera with me. One never knows what can surprise you. Sometimes it is just that fleeting moment, if you miss it, it is gone. Sometimes, I think it looks a little crazy carrying a camera all the time. Today, I took a break.

 

Just then, my attention was drawn to the grain feeder. The Sparrows were enjoying the grains and roti turn by turn. Some were thirsty, so were dipping their beaks in the water bowl. A bird which I mistook as a sparrow, coolly joined them for breakfast.

 

I rushed inside to get my camera. This bird got cautious. Sensing danger, she hopped and sat on the ledge of the grain bowl momentarily, giving me a very clear glimpse of the bird.

 

She was a little bigger than a sparrow. More colourful for sure. She had shades of bright yellow all over her feathers. I recalled, she had visited us on the same date last year. Today, she was with us and enjoying the spread again.

 

She is a “Baya, the Weaver bird”. I remember them nesting on kikar trees which overhang rivulets and other water bodies. We had the privilege to see them weaving their nests live and up close in Jaipur Zoo. The ‘moat’ there was a safe place for making one.

 

A friend had presented a Baya’s nest to us which she had brought from her farm house. The tree got destroyed in a storm, bringing down a cluster of baya nests which they abandoned. We displayed it very proudly. It became a centre of attraction for many birds here. They started to peck and pull out strings from that nest to make their own. One day, that nest fell down and was swept away.

 

Was it that this baya had noticed the nest and come to check on it? Was it that she nests or roosts somewhere in the vicinity of the Jojari river next door? Did she come from the river side to pick on grains as the crop is yet to mature? There were so many questions churning in my mind. Above all, she was always welcome to the Ellis’ Garden.

 

Now that she has visited once this season, she will visit again. This time I would be ready to take her photo, if she permits.

 

Then suddenly, there was commotion in the grain bowl. Three or four sparrows appeared agitated. Out popped the Baya and flew to the water bowl. She took her two sips and flew away. I understood, she was not a welcome guest for the other birds, but still she dared to land there. We are privileged.

 

In Indian folklore, the Baya’s nest is admired as a symbol of skill, patience, and creativity. Children are often told stories of the hardworking Baya to inspire diligence. She teaches us lessons in perseverance, precision, and creativity. Their presence is a sign of good ecological health they say.

 

We consider ourselves lucky to have them amongst us and look forward to weaving her nest here. Will she lead me to the place where the weaver birds are nesting? I wonder!!!!!!!

 

JAI HIND
©® NOEL ELLIS

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