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We make it a point to visit and enjoy the spectacle of water birds and wild animals which congregate around a lake in our vicinity.
‘Guda’ is the name of the village. People of that village are the custodians and caretakers of all living beings, being from the Bishnoi community. Hats off to their dedication.
We had visited in January to meet our very dear friends called the ‘Demoiselles cranes’. They were there in great numbers, maybe a thousand plus maybe. However, for us it was a little disappointing to see that there were just a few hundred which were still staying on. Ninety percent have left for their traditional home in Siberia.
They have fed well and will go back 4000 kms, over the Himalayas to meet their kin which they had left behind.
We were just in time to see them flying in formation all set to reach their favourite feeding ground which is the bank of the Guda Lake. That was a positive sign as we would be able to say hello to them. We didn’t realise that it would be time to say bye-bye.
Peacocks criss-crossed the road. We should not only have a zebra crossing but peacock, deer, and wild boar crossings all along that road. The thick kikar jungle was home to them. Unfortunately, their habitat is shrinking too.
Just then a big herd of deer was spotted. The excitement in all of us was palpable as encountering so many, maybe forty plus in one lot was a rear spotting. We were thankful that they live and thrive in the desert wilderness and God has provided them enough to feed upon. A quick stop, before the deer realised that they were being photographed and strolled into the thicket. A lone Black Buck was their leader.
If Deer came, the wild hogs could not be far behind. That is when we spotted a family of five wild boars sniffling the earth to dig out something to eat. Papa boar was a little shy and stayed behind a bush. The rest of them sauntered leisurely snorting and grunting. We had met this family earlier, that day they were shy but today they posed for us.
On reaching the lake, the scene was quite familiar but the cranes were missing. They were flying overhead in flocks. We could hear them call each other loudly but they decided to settle at one end of the lake quite far from us. Why were they so shy? I asked myself.
The main reason was that there was not much grain spread for them. Plus, the cows and oxen now know where to find snacks to munch on. They scare them away and eat the corn kernels.
We rolled down to the bank of the lake to catch a glimpse of the ducks, teals, herons, egrets, and other water birds paddling around. The Knob Billed Ducks gave us good poses. A flock of doves and other birds which were feeding on the sides were a sight to watch especially when they got startled and took flight together.
Just then a Peacock walked over the bank and peeped into that area. Probably, it also wanted to pick up a few grains. However, a dog which was wandering around was a matter of concern for it and it melted away into the greenery.
Then, across the lake we found a majestic male peacock perched on an old Jaal tree. It was there to mark his presence and of course keep an eye on what all moved on the ground. The stints and coots kept moving around the lake at their own pace.
The Spot Billed Ducks were the only ones which moved in the opposite direction from the other birds in the water. They must be in the opposition party. Pun indented.
The cranes came and hovered over us and flew away. The smaller birds were friendly and frolicked close by. An odd crow and Drongo stayed in the vicinity. A parakeet screeched sitting on the Pipal tree. By the way we missed a pheasant crow foraging next to the road.
Overall, it was a fun trip. As usual, we turned our car for a favourite spot to have Aloo Parathas. A quick bite and we set course for home.
On the way I saw a lot of ‘Tesu’ trees also called (Palash/dhak/flame of the forest) about to bloom. I have to photograph it soon.
The weather is warming up and the cranes have almost bid goodbye. Holi is also round the corner. I want to catch the Tesu tree in full bloom. When will that be? I wonder!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© ® NOEL ELLIS
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