Backyard birding

I began backyard birding during the first lockdown. It was difficult to balance work at home with work for the home, and the greatest retreat back then was the terrace and window overlooking a green space. That has been a blessing for me during lock down and will continues to be so ever after.

Being able to observe the birds up close has been a treat.

The tailor bird is on top of the tree as I prepare breakfast in the kitchen. The sunbirds will start hopping around when my first scrum meeting begins. The cinerous tits move around at lunch from one bush to tree across the road. They all have a set routine, and I now feel in sync with them. Koel in its peak season starts even before the morning alarm rings. Evening online meetings are extremely boisterous because of the rose-ringed. Not to mention the OMR family, who continue to sing in various tunes until quite late, while kites and subsequently bats fill the sky.

Many thanks to the spotted owlet who calls out to remind me of the time to go to bed. There are also seasonal celebrations, such as Indian paradise flycatchers or Alexandrine parakeets.

When you continuously hear calls with a significantly different tone, it is a momentous occasion! It is difficult to pay attention to anything else at this time than what is going outside the window. A few examples of these dramatic occurrences are the crow stealing eggs from the nest, Shikra hunting down squirrels, kite chasing away rose-ringed, and the panicked sunbirds and cinerous tits with a koel landing nearby, especially during nesting season. It is also a special experience to watch the birds take in the tranquil surroundings right after rain or coming for a quick dip for water in scorching summer.