When you start observing birds, you tend to indulge with your auditory
and visual faculties more than usual. A new bird sound catches your ears
immediately. To get a visual on it becomes your priority. If you get to see it,
nothing like it and if you get to photograph it, is ultimate.
We have this pair of birds called the Wire Tailed Swallow living in our
colony. They are very agile but shy, extremely energetic, nimble, and always
alert at all times. They are excellent insect hunters, including the ones in
flight. Their chirps are distinct and their colours so unique.
When winters were at its peak, the pair would come and bask in our
window sill in the morning sun. The same in summers when the heat was at its
peak, they would come and roost at the same place in the shade.
Over a period of time, they have become quite friendly. They do not
scoot as soon as they see me. Both become cautious but are not scared anymore.
I too do not make jerky moves lest I miss on a closeup shot. The closest was
about three meters from me.
The lens of the camera is a concern. It is a reflection of the glass
which intimidates them. I ensure that the camera is lifted as inconspicuously
for them not to feel afraid. Even if I tip toe towards them, they stay in their
perch.
A couple of evenings before, I saw this bird sitting on the lightening
conductor. The wind was blowing at high speed. It was trying to balance itself
sitting on one of its spikes. She groomed herself while doing the balancing act
and kept chirping. I suppose she was entertaining me with her melodious
call.
Unfortunately, I was sans my spectacles and camera to freeze that frame
for keeps. A Bulbul and a Dove were not happy with her presence. Ms Bulbul
decided to say ‘Kho’ to the swallow and took her place. I wanted to capture
those moments but alas without the camera, it was not possible.
For two days I carried my camera in the evening. The swallows gave me
the skip. Had they got conscious about my intentions, I do not know. Returning
empty handed was all that I could manage.
This morning, as I was talking to a friend on his morning walk, I
noticed that pair of swallows were in the lawn right infront of our house. They
were up to something. The pair would land, dig around and take off to return in
a few minutes. I was sure it was my chance to capture a few photos. Breakfast
could wait.
I armed myself with my camera and came to the hedge from where I could
get a clear view of the spot they were visiting again and again. It was a small
patch in the lawn where water had accumulated, thanks to the sprinkler which
was used to water the lawn.
These girls had come to make a mixture out of mud and dry grass for
their nest. I am sure they also have some adhesive in their saliva which helps
them to stick this muddy concoction to their nest. All winters they rested
there, now was the time to repair it and get ready to bring their next
generation to life.
Love is definitely in the air. I witnessed Mr Pigeon go ‘gutar goo’
dancing around in circles, wooing a lady pigeon. Sparrows too were busy in the
twig collection. Nestling was confirmed when I heard the ‘Green Pigeons” call.
They all are busy making their nests now. Before summer is declared, they need
a lead time of twenty one days as gestation period to hatch their young ones
out of the eggs and teach them to fly.
The wire tailed swallows were game. They did not bother about the
morning walkers and went about their business as usual. I know for sure they do
not come to the ground often. But this is the time when they need material to
patch up their nest.
As they took flight, I followed them for a little distance. One bird
stood as a sentry on a wooden peg and the other was inside the nest working on
the damaged portion. It takes teamwork to get things done.
This evening, I was about to feed the fish when the swallow called.
There she was on the lightning conductor again, probably waiting for me to
clear that area. I clicked a few photos and left the space for her to do what
she had come to do on her favourite perch.
When will we be able to see their chicks? I wonder!!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© ® NOEL
ELLIS
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