The Nest

The tiny bit of greenery that flanks our house offers many joyful sights with its diverse bird species and occasional visits from monkeys. The lockdown gave us ample time and opportunity to indulge in nature watching and bird watching. It was also an opportunity that gave an insight into the behavior of the feathered beauties.

Eagle's aerie before the the eggs were hatched.....after the eggs were hatched.....

One day while birdwatching, I could spot an aerie on a tall tree far away. I could get a peek into the abode through the camera. As the eggs were about to hatch we found the nest remodeled with strips of white plastic sheets which provided a good camouflage to its eaglets. Watching the birds and its activities were a great pleasure.

Bulbul hatchlings Bulbuls, the tiny, black crested birds are aplenty in this area. We were amused when two birds were seen regularly in the evening, perched on top of TV dish as if they are watching children play badminton on terrace. Those birds were seen flying in an out of the Ashoka tree branches in front of the house. It was not a surprise when we located its nest with two nestling in it.

Pigeon in its nest Another Ashoka tree next to it houses a pigeon’s nest. It seems to be a permanent one as the bird was seen many times earlier. The bird is not lucky always as the roaming cats gobble the eggs now and then.

Selecting the proper spot.

Nest under construction, later with the hatchling

Above all these stands the hanging nest of the purple-rumped sunbird built on our clothing line on the terrace. We wondered what prompted this tiny bird to select a place where we hang our clothes daily and do morning and evening walks. It was not bothered about our presence on the terrace and was busy building the nest. Seeing its confidence in us, we decided to leave the chosen clothing line free for its nest and dismantled our hanging chair as it shook the line on swaying. Till the eggs were hatched we were careful not to disturb it. Nature has many amusements if we are ready to observe it closely and preserve it with care.