Birdwatching Trip in my Backyard

The soft rays of the orange orb were touching the field below. The meshwork of mingled twigs of Rain tree (Albizia saman) and Fountain tree (Spathodea campanulata) allowed solitary streaks to pass through. The pale-hued threads of light were shying off to bring an end to the day.

The rays of the setting sun

Indian Grey Hornbill

The tired Mynas were returning home, even the Ravens and Pigeons too. There loud noisy chirps broke the silence of the dusk. The swarms of these cheerful birds were returning to their safe dwelling. Now the sky gilded up with ever-changing tones of red… turning pale and finally settling to dark blue.

Feral Pigeon

The Evening show in my backyard was over. I too retired back to my room. I heard a loud shriek. It repeated, again and again. It was the owls’ call. In the dark night, I could spot none. I was eagerly waiting for the dawn. The new ray of sun will bring with it a new day along with new companions in my backyard. I could not get up early, it was already dawn outside.

Flowers of the Rain Tree

The sleepy sun was gently lifting the veil to brighten the world with its golden glow. The previous night’s visitors, the owl couple, cuddled up in one obscure branch of the Fountain tree. They were resting for the day while the Sunbirds, Coppersmith Barbet, the Drongo, they all were at work.

The leader of the Alexandrine Parakeets

The playful sunbirds were restlessly moving from one flower to another. They were on their honey hunting escapade. Now an Alexandrine Parakeet arrived, squawking in its high pitched voice. It was a call for the other group members to join the forage on the fingerlike Fountain fruits.

The male Sunbird

My backyard suddenly turned to Garden of Eden, now joined by the green bee-eaters glued to one another on a cable. They were swinging along with the breeze. While the annoying feral pigeons kept whitewashing the surrounding. The common bulbuls too were in search of a protein breakfast. I could not continue with my nature watching journey. I had to get back to my daily chores.

The Parakeet with its favourite fruit

Though I do not repent. This is the everyday scene from by balcony, throughout the spring. There are even frequent visits by the rare guests, who come for scouring the nuts. The magnificent Indian Grey Hornbill found in Indian subcontinent. I am now familiarised with their crackling calls. And on hearing one, I gear up myself with my camera to capture them.

A foraging Tailor Bird

The Raven’s nest becomes the breeding ground for the Cuckoos. Along with the breeding season arrives the cuckoos. The crafty female drops the Raven’s eggs and replaces them with her own. And the fateful, ignorant Raven couple looks after the Cuckoo chicks till maturity.

The Shikra

Sometimes the Shikra takes up to wrestle with an equal sized pigeon in hope to for a heavy lunch. While the Oriental Magpie Robin whistles by. The Greater Coucal sweeps the floor for worms and snails. The Kingfisher, Great Tit and the Indian Golden Oriole occasionally rest within the green shades while on their way home.

The squirrel

The ever anxious squirrels keep a watch on the predator cats. Then perched on a safe refuge of the top most branch it makes an alarming call. This small haven in my backyard is the place where I find solace from everyday disturbance of life… In the lap of nature… with the children of nature.

Indian Grey Hornbill

Readers, please do not take this to be some imaginary post. I am privileged to reside in an apartment which overlooks a garden with lofty trees. And this is the abode and pasture land for many avian species. I tried to capture in frames as many as possible. This post was inspired by the beautiful post of desi Traveler: Photographing Birds in Backyard.

The big headed one

The common Bulbuls

The Coppersmith Barbet

The Parakeet papa feeding its chick

The courtship of the Squirrels

The female Purple Sunbird

The black and whites all merged together

Male and Female Koels merged in a frame

Gulmohar

The cuddly Owl couple

The golden flamboyant Copperpods

Hibiscus of my garden