I revisisted my collection of scenes at the feeding station in our garden during the last week of August, 2024. That was the month when we had several birds visiting the garden through the day.
The photographs above tell the story of behaviour of birds. There is an atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance and comfort of being together at the feeding station. Although the Barbets appeared gregarious in feeding, what is outstanding is the space each bird found in the feeding station for its portion of daily bread.
Anna and I look forward to this visual feast each morning at day break. Some birds keep visiting during the day for feed and bath. There are some who revisit the feeding station in the evening.
It occurred to me that birds have created a relational space for themselves.
Each bird is not normally hospitable to others to begin with, but became comfortable with each other gradually. It was a transition we watched taking place.
When migrant birds come to the garden, especially the water birds, there is a measure of tolerance!
There is an ambience of inclusiveness that has developed in the avian behaviour.
I noticed today two smaller birds, Tit and Sunbird perched in the vicinity of the feeding station where Bulbuls were perched. That too is a change in the behaviour. Normally the smaller birds avoided territories where the larger birds were habituated to visit.
The behaviour of acceptance is what birds bring to us!
This seems to be the usual behavioural mood of people towards each other. The migrant labourers from other states in north India, who live and work in our place are referred to as 'guest workers' by the local people ! What a an attitude of being mindful!
What is common between people is lot more than what is different.
That brings hope !
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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