BIRD’S NEST IN MY HOUSE
Lt Col HS Bhandari
We have cane
swing ( Jhula) fixed on the front verandah. Almost a decade ago a bird (rather
a couple) made the nest on this swing in spite of our efforts to dissuade them.
When we finally relented, the ‘construction’ started rather fast and
astonishingly a beautiful nest came up. We observed very closely their
activities (shall we call pre-natal preparations?) They were very meticulous
and sincere creatures. While the would-be mother sat on the nest, her partner
arranged for security needs. When we saw the mother hatching the eggs, she was
very protective of her eggs with ‘complete disregard to her personal safety’. She
stoutly defended her ‘nest’ feeling our closer proximity. And once the
hatchlings emerged, she became very aggressive and did not allow us to go near.
Whenever we ventured, she would get offensive and near assault us literally.
Perforce, we had to resort to rear gate
Following
year, around the same time, they again came to construct their home. Once again
my wife was in Singapore. Now I could take some ‘big’ decisions. So, the first
thing I did was to remove the swing and keep it in the garage. I thought they
would never reach there. But when I opened the door after some days, I found
the chicks chirping. Thank God, they were safe this time. I noticed that the iron
gates had grills as a design on the upper end and the brainy bulbuls had seized
the ‘window of opportunity’. I did not venture near them as long as they lived
in the garage.
Next few
years not many attempts were made by them to install themselves at our ‘nest’.
But, when we returned from Singapore on 16 Jun this year, I was amazed to see
the bulbul sitting on her nest at the same spot of the swing. I could not have
dislodged her especially after having visited my own child. I cannot say if it
was the same bird that inhabited there earlier, but her behaviour was exactly
the same. When she is covering the eggs with her body (and warmth, of course),
she was humble and sedate but when she is not and sees us approaching, she gets
offensive. I wonder how God has made us all creatures almost alike. Every
parent is very protective of the kids, to the extent of risking his/her own
life. We just do not calculate the pros and cons. It just happens and it is only
for love. Nothing is expected in return. Every moving creature has the same
character.
Now come
back to the current story. Hatchlings are out. They look pathetically soft,
reddish and very tender. The mother has started feeding them. I also see the
other parent bringing and feeding small insects like the flying ants. (I would
have called him selfish, otherwise!) She keeps them covered all the time.
Maybe, in a week or so they would get their firmed up skins, feathers and
wings. I keep my fingers crossed. Though my wife and I both are here but we go
out to work from 8 am to 3 pm. I only hope no harm comes to them in our absence
and they take the flight as their parent may have dreamt.
1 July
18 is, coincidentally, Sunday again. We are home and while washing my car, I
see the fledgling bulbuls jump from the nest and take their flight under
guidance from the mother. First three took to flying rather easily. The fourth
sibling got stuck at the flowerpot beneath. The mother coaxed him/her to try
but left the chick to strive on his own. It took another flight but again fell
near the car. The mother came rushing threatening me not to interfere. She took
the strategic position on top of the raised wiper. I left the washing and came
in side. After about an hour, when I came out, all was clear and the family had
finally vacated our premises. The nest was empty. My wife asked me if we could
remove the nest and clean the area. I ‘decided’ to not disturb the nest but
cleaned the verandah nicely. I know we cannot safe keep the nest till the next
breeding season and even if it does happen, no renting is done in their world.
Next time again they would start from the scratch (straw) and construct their house
as suits them.
I am happy
the birds have successfully added another generation to their ’family’ which
may not be strictly in the same terms as we define. Then it is natural. Though
the last few days were challenging, and to some extent irritating, now I miss
them. I also know they would come back next year but then it may not be the
same again. This is something like what happens to me for being at Mhow.
Friends come on postings and courses of instructions, we meet, exchange notes, feel
good and then they go away leaving me here at this place only to meet another
set of friends. It is nice but also emotional at times. I do not say goodbye.
It’s always ‘see you again’. Let it be
this way always!
Lt Col HS Bhandari (Retd)
MCTE Mhow
Happy journey, my fledgeling bulbuls!
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