Monday, November 3, 2008

I shot a Birdie

I have grown up in awe of these remarkable specimens of nature, gliding effortlessly over sea and sand. They have been a constant companion with their shrill cacophony heralding the dawn of a fresh new day. As I close my eyes to loose myself in the cocktail of chirps, I can feel a sense of relaxation engulfing me. Though, not everything is hunky dory with having these avian creatures around. Many a times they have proved to be a nemesis, discharging their effluents at my front entrance; a constant source of embarrassment for me, as I sheepishly point overhead to address the unimpressed look on a visitor’s face. Some of them think that they have a permanent right to this property, so much so that Bruno’s venture in their territory was treated with utmost contempt. He was told in no uncertain words to back off or face the consequences, the expression in the eyes of the squatter said it all. Not all the winged visitors share the belligerence of these eagles; some are the true messengers of peace. Perching atop this rusted piece of iron, surveying the flora was this dove with the kindest expression in the eyes; a sharp contrast to the expression my dog got from the incorrigible eagle. This one dropped by to have a bird's eye view of my garden... ...found it worthy of a closer look... And, while the avian antics continue in the garden, this little fellow was busy enjoying a peck at the wood stump. An egret bird drops by quite regularly, seemingly to enjoy a healthy diet of insects in the lawn. In the back portion Mr. Rooster was showing off his delicate balancing act on one foot. Well, he actually is a neighbor’s food which accidentally strayed in the back portion of the compound; poor fellow, ignorantly preening in his possibly final act! The little birdie, who probably is a yellow-billed Babbler, along with its fellows creates a huge ruckus, but from the countenance, he doesn’t look very happy today.!My siesta was disturbed by a panicky commotion in the verandah and on checking I found this Rufous Treepie which had accidently dropped in the verandah was now finding it difficult to locate the way out. And sometimes a garden is the best place for a couple to reflect on…life…its meaning…the purpose…etc As another hectic day of searching and flying closes, this eagle appears to relax broodingly, atop an electricity pole - relaxing atop an electricity pole sounds fairly paradoxical! The presence of these lovely charmers is a for-granted thing in our lives, but for a moment if we close our eyes and imagine a garden without their chirps, the hollowness, the ennui that will follow in our lives becomes evident.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful array of bird life you have in your garden. I'm very impressed with the eagle who seems well able to cope with your dog's attentions.

Julie said...

Having all of the birds around...just to hear their sounds, is so worth putting up with the mess they leave around. I adore birds...just opening my front door in the morning, or hearing their sounds through my bedroom window, brings me such joy and happiness!

Chandramouli S said...

Whoa! Eagles! Eagles! Really! Wow! Yes, I've seen them in Bangalore when I was working there but haven't seen one in Chennai. I love them so - no other bird can match its elegance. In fact I was just now discussing with my mom about building a small bird house and buy some birds - an effort to help the birdlife grow in my neighborhood - let's see how well it turns out to be...

TYRA Hallsénius Lindhe said...

Wonderful post Green thumb and I agree with Chandramouli Whao! eagles! WOW amazing I think I will make a post just like your and see what I have in my garden :-)...I'll be back and show you. Very impressive Green thumb / LOL Tyra

Unknown said...

Wow, great shots of so many different kinds of birds...I've never seen an eagle land so close.
You're right, without birds a garden would never come alive!

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

How wonderful to see such a variety of birds on your blog today. You are right, our gardens would not be half as much fun without our feathered friends. It was fun to see that Woody Woodpecker visits your garden too.

kate smudges said...

What an amazing variety of birds you have - your photographs are beautiful! I especially like the photograph of Bruno watching the eagle. When I first saw it, I had to look twice - his stance is exactly like my lab's when he isn't sure about something.

The last shot is incredible!

Tira said...

You are very fortunate to have such an array of avian life. I have smaller birds-like hummingbirds and semps and I just love their sounds and sight.

Matron said...

What a wonderful blog! Thank you for introducing us to some of your birds. And a special thank you for introducing us to your dog! May we see another picture? His blog name must be 'Green paws!'

Viooltje said...

Delightful post. You're lucky to have such amazing garden friends and they, they're even more fortunate to have such a wonderful admirer. My compliments!

Anonymous said...

You must be pretty patient to get all those pictures! I am never able to shoot birds ;)

Annie in Austin said...

Your title had me worried for a minute, Green Thumb - sometimes I'd like a few of the invasive or aggressive birds to disappear, but it was hard to imagine you actually doing it!

The idea of eagles visiting a garden is mind-boggling, especially when accompanied by egrets and roosters! What a fun and eye-opening post.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Rusty in Miami said...

You have so many birds, the eagle looks at home in your garden

Naturegirl said...

Examples of observing life's quiet rhythms..each and every image!

trần minh an said...

I love flowers...

Anonymous said...

Hi! I enjoyed your post about birds in the garden. They are one of the best side-benefits of gardening:)

"discharging their effluents". I think that's the most formal way I've ever seen anyone describe birds pooping :D

Unknown said...

A small correction-those are not eagles.they are black kites.if you notice carefully you will find that they have forked tails which is an identifying feature of kites.

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