Ever since Anna and I have had this opportunity to observe the Bulbuls at the feeding station, we seem to have made some surprising discoveries about their feeding behaviour!
I suppose we are probably right at least about the Bulbul's feeding behaviour as they are the frequently visiting birds at the feeding station.
Most Bulbuls wait for their turn to enter the feeding basin. They take few mouthful of feeds and return to be perched at the stump of the tree or in the adjoining branches of the Neem tree. They may return to have a second helping after other Bulbuls had their share. They might even return during the day for another helping. Some come back in the evening.
This is in contrast to the feeding behaviour of a Squirrel, Barbet, Mynah or Babblers who would feed till they are well fed, before they vacate the feeding basin. Often Squirrels and Barbets take a large helping in the mouth, more than what they can easily swallow, while moving away.
The Bulbuls therefore are not aggressive, possessive or gregarious feeders. They regulate their behaviour to practice mindfulness towards other birds.
A billionaire in a conversation said, 'what makes him feel enthusiastic every day is wealth creation'. The president elect of the United States of America has a similar orientation towards his wealth and other oligarchs.
I pause and reflect on this! The Bulbuls are a good example for considering the social virtue of better distribution of resources for the benefit many!
Late Mr Ratan Tata, the chairman of the Tata group of companies, seems to have carried that orientation, by practicing to live with what was just necessary. He distributed his resources to as many as he came across, who would benefit from it. It is unimaginable that he travelled in a second hand ordinary car, often self driven !
This is the wisdom of the wise!
Have enough and remember others who are in need!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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