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.