The avian language of hope!

The two Bulbul birds are regular visitors to the feeding station in our garden.  

They occupy two feeding bowls and turn toward each other frequently during the feeding time. 

This communication process with looks and chirps is interesting to watch. This process of staying in touch, that is seen during courtship is a ritual that stabilises the relationships. When in courtship, birds can be possessive of each other. 

Since December when the temperature dipped to about ten degree celsius at night, I suspect many birds, who were resident in our garden have moved away to warmer places. 

It is the season for mating for some birds. So they make their nests and reside in the garden spaces, without the regular long distance flight movements. 

One aspect of avian movements is that they congregate in places where they can find other birds. They come to the feeding station to feed, but also to meet other birds. This social habit of the birds create some assembly points or meeting places in the garden. 

I like watching these social habits because their behaviour towards each other is contrary to human behaviour in different parts of the world. There is social tension or protest scenes or territorial conflicts in Bangladesh, Iran, Venezuela, Gaza, Ukraine, Nigeria, Somalia, and few other places. There is a language of aggression from the president of the USA, now threatening to occupy Greenland. 

When strife, enmity, and desire to rule over others is a language that Russia, China and the USA use, we go through a fearful season on global relations between countries. The leadership of these nations speak of war and not peace. 

It is therefore consoling and upbuilding to watch the avians still practice every form of communication to stay relational. 

The avians bring a language of peace and cordiality to our garden!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)