WIRE TAILED SWALLOWS ARE BACK

 

https://youtu.be/EnrntiL0fTc

 

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