When we moved to our cureent place in January, I was heartbroken as I couldn’t see or hear a single bird (except of course the basic pigeons, just 1 pair). The old place had a forest behind and peacocks flaunting a palatan of peahens. Kites nesting on the pole in front of us, Woodpecker sharpening its beak on our window frame and variety of other small and medium sizedbirds. We also saw a few migratery birds making a quick stop.
It was too cold in January to explore surroundings of the new place. I had to travel for work as the weather started warming up and was back only in early April. So it was surprising to see the Jamun tree flowering. I missed the Neem blossoms. Plenty of neem around us, must have been beautiful amd fragrant.
I wake up everyday now to bird song. Today I saw a Haroli. It was breaking dry twigs of the Jamun tree. A nest is coming up somewhere. Haroli reminds me of a comment a friend made our first spring in Delhi. It is a state bird of Mahrashtra so when I saw it in Delhi, he said it was welcoming me home. I cherish that thought and feel at home everytime I see it. It is still coolish enough in the morning to keep the door to the balcony open. From my desk I can see the shenanigans in the Jamun tree. Once it fruits, I am hoping to see more birds.
I miss the peacocks though. landing with a thump on the roof at 4:30am. Eating young shoots, but then strutting on the parapet wall when I sat on the terrace as if mounting a special fashion show only for me.
devayani tirthali 