The frequent aerial sallies from its perch on a cable drew my attention to a new habit I had not noticed in the black Drongo birds who frequent our garden.
It was while looking at the pictures after downloading form the camera, I noticed that this Drone had bronzed feathers in its tail and around the neck interspersed with it overall blackish glossy coat. It did not have a forked till as one would normally find.
I noticed it again perched with Magpie Robins on a dry branch bed our well. It is therefore comfortable to mix with other species of birds. I waited for a while to listen to its bird call.
Later in the morning I noticed it on a cable with its whistling bird call to which another Bronzed Drongo responded.
As I was returning form the morning walk, I felt delighted at the small things in life which happen each day, which leave some lasting impressions. It was delight to spot a Bronzed Drongo for the first time !
I recall what a family from Canada who visited us in the department last week told me. 'You seem to have time for us. You were listening without interrupting. You seemed keen to know us..' These words remained with me. The family was wanting to be known for their journey experiences with their child.
A the end of that hour long consultations, what transpired within me was an experience of being touched by a family who during their self disclosure felt affirmed and accepted!
It is one thing to listen to others, it is yet another thing to receive them into our hearts to feel for them and indicate connection with their circumstances. This family having waited for a consultation with a specialist for a year came to India seeking help for their child who had subtle seizures.
The Bronzed Drongo might have been in our garden for a while or at least visiting during their territorial coverage during the day. They escaped my attention.
I felt that many families might escape my attention from their genuine unspoken needs till I am open enough to let them feel comfortable to share their hurting story of anguish and stress!
Becoming present to them in an open ended way, as families narrate their story is what is needed, rather than listening just to make a diagnosis. Their stories are confessions of their formative process while living in adverse circumstances. Those families are looking for listeners and co-travellers.
Spotting a Bronzed drongo was a chance occurrence; but that experience reminded me of the need to be a vigilant and be a discerning listener and observer in daily life at home and at work!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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