As songs of the birds, rise above the quiet and empty lanes of my community every morning, very few stop from their monotonous routine to discover the joy of birding. Bird watching is a pleasure for those, looking to connect with nature.
We usually don't notice the birds but they have always been around us even in urban settings. When given the drop in noise level, the chirping of the birds are definitely heard more. Birding is a fun hobby and one of the best ways to experience wildlife in our own surroundings. It is a hobby that does not require any prior skills sets. All one has to do is look.
I was astounded when I realized that there are more than 25 species of birds just around my home that can be seen from my balcony. What initially began as a leisure activity during my visit to the United States, has now evolved into a dedicated endeavor to document various species regularly on my Instagram page sumats_clicks. I use Google lens on my mobile to identify the birds captured with a Canon 55_250mm lens attached to a DSLR 600D camera. Nowadays, technology has significantly eased up bird watching by aiding us connect to this remarkable bird realm. Numerous studies and anecdotes tell us how bird watching helps in reducing stress and depression while enhancing concentration. It is kind of a meditation only here, it requires you to keep your eyes and ears open and concentrate.
Observing birds from my third-floor balcony offers a serene beginning to my day. Moreover overlooking the trees at an eye level gives me an advantage to sight birds. I frequently encounter Purple-rumped Sunbirds and the Common Mynas and the vocal congregation of Yellow billed Babblers, Rose-ringed Parakeets and Red-vented Bulbuls. Among more boisterous species are the Coucals, Koels and the Drongos though they seldom emerge from their cover in the bushes. On occassion, I have observed a Shikra being chased by crows. But the Flame-backed Woodpeckers, Asian Bee- eaters, Pied Mynas, Spotted Doves and the Oriental Magpies are the ones notably elusive, as they swiftly maneuver between trees.
Given that my balcony overlooks a waterbody, the diversity of the wildlife extends to aquatic species which include Moorhens, Jacanas, White-breasted Waterhens, Pond Herons and White-throated Kingfishers. With the favorable monsoon season this year I also sighted the arrival of Little Grebes, Grey-headed Swamp hens, Egrets and Cormorants. The pleasant weather conditions from November to February attracted the Golden Orioles, Rufous Treepies and the Coppersmith Barbets which has made its residency in the nearby tree.
Capturing a Spot-billed Duck which landed briefly in the water and a Pied Cuckoo when looking out for the parakeets are moments every balcony birdie would dream for.
 |
