It
was 4.30 in the morning when I got up. It is best to catch on with social
media. Some friends are so active after 10pm, that they dump everything which
they never read or vetted but are eager to forward to their contact list and
groups.
I
spend time reading, especially articles which I save. The mind is fresh;
thoughts are not contaminated by hooligans who have a habit of poking their
nose into everything for no rhyme or reason. The hate mongers and blind
followers are ‘dime a dozen’. Who has the patience and inclination to read 300
plus messages that spread hate. Delete without reading is the best thing to do.
Having
waited for dawn to break, it was time to move out and smell the fresh air and
feel the chill of the morning desert breeze. Flowers greeted me. Some plants
said that they wanted a drink, while the others said, they didn't need one.
Still, I poured a ‘Siano’ to all.
The
birds were around. Then, I heard the chatter of the Green Pigeons in the trees
across. It was ‘Greeny’ and her family roosting. Their ‘fluting’ sound was
music to the ears.
“Hello
Greeny”, and she whistled back. You should be nesting, I asked. Our nestling is
done and dusted. The little ones are already a few days old, she replied. We
are out to catch some fresh air and breakfast before we return to our nests. I
said tata and moved to pick my cup of tea which my wife had brewed.
Since
the last couple of days, a ‘red bottomed bulbul’ has been nosing around in one
of our hanging pots. I was under the impression that she was looking for
insects. That was not the case. She was trying to make her nest. This I
confirmed when I took down the pot to check. Now that she has decided to nest
in it, I have to be very careful while watering that pot. The eggs and later
the chicks should not get wet for obvious reasons.
Sparrows,
Bulbuls and doves were calling. It was time to spread Bajra and Roti. The way
they were going around in circles, looking at me with wanting eyes, meant they
were hungry.
It
was time also to shift the humming bird feeder to some shade. No one likes a
hot drink in the summer. The hummingbirds were happy and so were the bulbuls.
All of them took a swig. Hummingbirds do not like the bulbuls stealing their
share of juice, so madam hummingbird gave a Kho to the bulbul.
Just
then something very unusual caught my eye. A little hummingbird chick was
tagging along with her mom. One could make out by her gestures that she was
learning the tricks of the trade. Her continuous flapping of wings close to her
body in short bursts of high frequency were the giveaway.
Just
then all the trees in the vicinity of our Champa tree burst into ‘cacophony’.
Their sharp, shrill and agitated calls indicated that there was a predator
around. There were no cats, then who was it? I could not locate the badmash.
Then
the mom humming bird dived towards something. Yes, it was Mr Malya the
Kingfisher, hidden in the branches of the Champa tree. He clutched the branch
hard, lest the attack disbalanced him. But His Highness, Sahib Bahadur Malya
Saab of Jojri, stuck firmly to the branch.
Seeing
me, he understood he better move away. I didn’t want him hanging around. Just a
week back I had introduced new white mollies in the fish tank in which Malya
Saab had been fishing. He took away every fish he could lay his beak on. I told
him to go elsewhere and leave these ones or else I will take his photo and I
did.
A
crow came and sat on the roof. He also was after something. Moment, I pointed
the camera towards him, he scooted.
With
the threats subsided, the birds returned to the feeders and the road where
Bajra was spread for them. They have no fear of us. Some walk as close as your
feet and keep picking grains.
A
Drongo was sighted. I could take just one snap and she too flew over my head.
Actually, she dived and caught hold of a grasshopper. I let her enjoy her
breakfast as it was time for me to have a bite too.
So
much was happening in such a short time. I looked at the watch while
downloading the photos. It was 9.30 am. Five hours just flew by with such
engrossing moments to enjoy.
I
feel so refreshed and ready to key in my thoughts. Guys, take a break. Will
you? I wonder!!!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© ® NOEL ELLIS
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