Communal harmony!

The meeting of red vented Bulbul, Red crested Bulbul, Barbet and a squirrel, all around their meal!

It is a daily occurrence that I feel hesitant to believe the regular reference to the Red vented Bulbuls as being fighters. 

The community sense these birds share around a meal is a delight to watch. The Myna birds come on their own to feed. I hope they too would join in !

As these birds are regulars in the feeding station, they bring a refreshing sight of tolerance and acceptance. 

The fear, fight or flight tendencies are overcome! 

When we started this feeding station in the pre-monsoon season, the behaviour of birds was intolerance towards each other. Now at the end of four months, the bonding between birds during the meal times is increasingly cordial. The occasional quarrels are short lived. 

Now the birds and squirrel can begin their day with assured food that they do not have to hunt for food. As the feeding bowl is filled three times a day, they can return during the day, when hungry of thirsty. I am almost inclined to think that if the basic needs of the birds are taken care of, they become more sociable between themselves.  

We live socially in a polarised context. People carry prejudices towards others on account of ethnicity, religion or caste. This divides people and perpetuates suspicion and disregard!

I feel hopeful after watching these birds behave differently over a period of time, that efforts to build bridges between people in every society is worth the effort!

The human instinct is a neighbour-friendly feeling! I hope we would build on it !

When we hear the terms 'whites' and 'Blacks' during the election campaign currently active in the Unites States of America, I know that we have a long journey before we practice commonality with others. The Jews and the Palestinians need healing to embrace this togetherness! 

I hope,  working for social coherence would be a vocation for social activists in different parts of the world! 

Having written yesterday about the fearful behaviour between birds, I felt I need to give the change that I notice in overcoming fear!

M.C.Mathew(text and phot)