avatarVidya Sury, Collecting Smiles

Summary

Vidya Sury shares her enchanting experiences of bird watching from her terrace and balcony, reflecting on the peaceful coexistence and beauty of various birds in flight, and expresses her appreciation for nature's spectacle.

Abstract

Vidya Sury's essay is a vivid account of her passion for bird watching, an activity she enjoys both during travels and from the comfort of her own terrace and balcony. She describes the daily avian parade she observes, featuring a diverse cast of birds including mynahs, parrots, crows, pigeons, kites, and bats. Sury captures the serene and soothing nature of this pastime, highlighting the synchronized flying of pigeons and the graceful gliding of kites. She also narrates a charming story of a white dove's interactions with pigeons on her balcony, pondering the social dynamics at play. The essay concludes with Sury's reflections on the joy of bird watching and a call to appreciate and support nature, including a request to help underprivileged children.

Opinions

  • Bird watching is described as a Zen and soothing activity that brings a sense of peace and connection with nature.
  • The author expresses admiration for the beauty and diversity of birds, particularly noting the unique behaviors of each species.
  • There is a sense of wonder and respect for the natural patterns and behaviors of birds, such as the pigeons' synchronized flying and the bats' consistent evening flight path.
  • The white dove is personified, portraying her as a proud and unique individual among the other birds, adding a whimsical narrative to the observation.
  • The essay conveys a strong appreciation for the gift of nature's spectacles, emphasizing that bird watching is a joyful and enriching experience.
  • The author encourages readers to contribute to the well-being of underprivileged children, suggesting that collecting smiles extends beyond observing nature to include acts of kindness.

Reciprocal | October 4th week Nature prompt

Bird Watching — a Gift that Keeps on Giving

Few things that feel more Zen and soothing!

Sunset from my terrace — Vidya Sury ©

I love bird watching. Most of the time, I get a chance to do it when we travel. I can sit for hours waiting to click a photo of the birds we see. Such a soothing feeling.

Of course, I have my daily sojourn on my own terrace (or roof) when I go up to walk and enjoy the sunset. We literally have a bird parade across the skies.

First, it is the mynahs with their sweet tones, flitting from tree to tree, and flying short distances around us. Then come the parrots. yes, hordes of them, beautiful green squawky feathered friends. They fly across the sky in groups, so low, so enchanting that we think we can reach out and touch them.

Patience is a virtue. Vidya Sury ©

These are followed by crows and pigeons. The pigeons first put up a show in the sky, flying in groups in arcs — there’s a pattern to their behavior and it looks beautiful to see them, like Olympic champions, with their synchronized flying.

And then, finally, we have the kites. They swoop and glide across the sky, making us rather jealous because they look so at peace.

I am a bird in the sky! Vidya Sury ©

At least, as the clock strikes 7 p.m., it is the bat’s turn. They originate from the lake near our place and seem to fly across to a specific destination. I wonder when they return because every evening we see them flying in the same direction. One or two stumble and get stuck in the tall trees and then manage to extricate themselves.

Mmm.

Don't you love how the birds share the skies peacefully?

Now let me bring you to my own balcony and share a little photo story with you.

A non-love story of sorts

This white dove is a favorite. She’s a proud one, she is. She knows she’s unique. And she doesn’t let the others forget it, smart girl, as she walks sedately across the window shade.

Vidya Sury ©

First, she landed there like an angel, a vision in white. Clean white I might add.

Then she turned and looked, casing the joint.

Vidya Sury ©

And was not very surprised to see these two pigeons land near her

Vidya Sury ©

Hmmm. So what next, she probably thought, when a third joined them

Vidya Sury ©

She continued to watch, fluttering her pretty wings.

Vidya Sury ©

And then there were two.

Vidya Sury ©

She turned to chat when another flew away . . . and then there was one.

Vidya Sury ©

She turned to look, curious to see what was distracting them when she was around.

Vidya Sury ©

When she turned back, she found herself alone again, queen of all she surveyed.

Vidya Sury ©

But I wonder . . . did she end up dating one of them?

Vidya Sury ©

Ah well, she probably thought. Life is good. Bird-watching is fun! We tend to agree!

Thank you Dr. Preeti Singh for the wonderful prompt — chirping birds

I love Mia Verita’s beautiful post about the moon — such great photos!

If you are visiting someone for the holidays, here are some great tips on how to be a good houseguest from Christina

Let’s send Mother Nature a collective request to send the birds back to Elder Taoist

Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?

Help me support underprivileged children via Ko-Fi. Thank you! Subscribe to my one-minute motivational tips on Substack

Writing
Photography
Creativity
Nature
Reciprocal
Recommended from ReadMedium