A fledging of Greater coucal bird on its way to being a juvenile bird in the above picture. It leaped into the branch of a tree rather than flew the distance. Its feathered coat had an orange tinge more than what is normal for an adult bird!
This is the fourth species of a fledging or juvenile bird that stays around in our garden during the last one month- Magpie Robin, Red vented Bulbul, Barbet and now Greater Coucal.
It is when I see a fledgling who is learning to fly and move I remember a lot about changes that come upon on me as an older person. When I was descending and ascending the steps this morning on the foot path during my walk, I realised how it is different from the earlier days, when I could run up and down the steps. A fledgling is entering into its fuller exploration of life. I realised how while at the other spectrum of life span, one learns to slow down, and moderate physical activities corresponding to the declining agility of the body!
The transitions in life happen all the time.
The growth itself is a transition.
A fledgling has a transition into adulthood and a senior citizen into being an elder, to live mindful of the needs of others!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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