Birdsong: A symphony of hope, happiness
“In order to see birds, it is necessary to become part of the silence.” This observation by Irish writer Robert Lynd never connoted as prophetic until recently. As the clamour of human activity and the cacophony of automotives spewing toxic emissions recede to an all-time low, there seems to be a sudden spurt in the surreal sights and sounds of winged buddies. Not that, they were imperceptible or unfriendly earlier. In fact, I consider myself the privileged one, as my dawn is ushered in by a beautiful symphony of birdsongs and the visual spectacle of feathered creatures.
Before sprightly spring gives way to scorching summer, the sweeping branches of Yellow Silk Cotton trees, laden with bouquets of golden-hued blossoms are a sight to behold. Presenting an awesome colour contrast is the riot of red blooms on the Bottlebrush trees, retrieving their crown glory past the harsh winter. Not content with a view of paradise from across the road, I have recreated a miniature garden in my front yard resplendent with vibrantly hued petunias, sweet peas, dianthus, geraniums, hibiscus, dahlias and alyssums, nestling against artistically manicured topiaries and majestic palms. Everyone is entranced by this breathtaking vista of nature, including our flying angels, for whom it’s the last semblance of a safe haven amid the burgeoning jungle of concrete.
Usually, birdcalls and their harmonious fluttering appease my senses during the early morning hours only, before the race of life commences. As the day progresses, so does the din of commuting/ construction, relegating the magical panorama of nature to a whimsical poetry only. But lately, our feathered friends are making their presence felt as never before, as if to show their solidarity with us during these testing times.
The eerie silence and ominous boding caused by the prevalent crisis is pleasantly shattered by the chirping and tweeting of Olive-backed Sunbirds, Red-vented Bulbuls, Laughing Dove, Kingfisher, Babblers, Parakeets, Pigeons and Indian Mynas, all day along. I miss the now extinct, genteel house sparrows from my childhood though. Fleeting from tree to tree, from the front porch to backyard, their spirited calls and soothing sights assuage the restless mind and infuse a sense of normalcy. I’m making the most of my extended rendezvous with these chirpy beings, trying to forge a bond that’ll sustain beyond the engineered serenity of present times.
We act selfish at times and exploit flora and fauna for our sensory pleasures and materialistic gains. In the name of unplanned and mindless development, we are destroying their natural habitat. But, they never intend or beget any harm. What they seek is their rightful share in the bounties of nature, bestowed equally upon all living beings.
In these challenging times, the melodic chorus of birds is a harbinger of hope and happiness. Let us be more sensitive towards our fellow dwellers on this planet.
In the words of Enid Bagnold, “Why do birds sing in the morning? It’s the triumphant shout: ‘We got through another night!” We too should celebrate our victory over yet another dark night and welcome the new dawn with renewed zest.
OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS ARE MAKING THEIR PRESENCE FELT AS NEVER BEFORE, AS IF TO SHOW SOLIDARITY IN THESE TESTING TIMES