Bird Watching

The phenomenon of season is one of the marvellous, enchanting and incredible free gifts of nature. In a normal parlance, one comes across three seasons. A deeper analysis will reveal six. Summer comes as a welcome relief to the pangs of severe winter. Reverse is also true. In between occurs the rainy season which not only balances but also cleans, refreshes and provides necessary succour. Like human beings, the animals and birds like and dislike, hate and relish, detest and enjoy a season or the other. Very few of us during our lifetime, however, take note of or are sensitive to the causes, needs, wishes and aspirations of a wonder called fauna.

Growing realization in this area will be beneficial both to the world and life, that is mild as also wild. Shall we give, therefore, some thought to an activity or a process of development that is sustainable?

To get rid of vagaries of nature, a good deal of inventions and discoveries have gradually become handy for the human beings. One can escape, therefore, the wrath of extreme nature by pressing a tiny and simple button. Why only human beings who can afford? Some of the privileged pets too lead a comfortable and sometimes, luxurious lives. Both in the West and East.

Right from beginning, shooting temperatures and dipping mercuries have propelled movement of thousands of birds from a place of extreme weather to the relatively milder pastures. They quickly learn from each other the habit of locating and then flocking around a water body thousands of miles away. Coming from a far away place, such as, Siberia, China and Afghanistan, these birds of paradise travel in a systematic way for several weeks. Popular destinations are- Bharatpur in Rajasthan, Sukhna in Chandigarh, Bhadkal Lake in Haryana, Mandwi river bank in Goa, Lake in the vicinity of Agartala and several other known and non-descript water bodies across the length and breadth of the country. Their migration period generally is noticed to be from early November to the middle of March.

While doing so, not only they experience much needed relief from the harsh and cold conditions of their habitat, they also feel at home in the company of local birds. It is a pleasure to see them grow and blossom in a new setting. Like any other 'guest,' they possess a sensitive nature. They, do not, however, have a desire to be pampered.

Bird watching during a particular time of the day is an amazingly peaceful and quiet feeling. It elevates mood. It teaches unity and understanding. Chirping of birds resonates. It has tremendous tourism potential apart from ensuring a deep healing touch. It can help in understanding and appreciating nature better. If you soak yourself in its mesmerizing beauty, it can leave a long lasting impact. It can, at the same time, free us from several misconceived notions. It has the capacity and the strength to enable us to move away from the element of artificiality.

For a change, let us attempt to peep into their innocent world whenever and wherever we get a chance. Rather, a bit of our quality time deserves to be devoted to them. They truly live and will facilitate our living. It can be a great learning experience, for, it can teach us the art of caring and sharing.

Shall we, therefore, strengthen our resolve in the dictum- unlike human beings, the birds and animals only give, do not take?