Song of the Birds

Mum’s teachings echoed my mind as I set my foot into the Van Vihar National Park, a protected area in Madhya Pradesh. “Nature lies within us. Embrace sustainability and you successfully conquer your true self.”

What a beautiful view it was! I entered the time of my arrival at the park in the guard’s register. Unlocking my bicycle, I rode down the park.

Being from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, the Van Vihar National Park wasn’t an unexplored area to me. We often flocked to this park, whenever we had guests at our place. But, this time, my visit at this place was different. I was here to draw a thesis upon ‘Migratory Birds’ as a part of my internship at the university.

Lost in my thoughts, I was riding swiftly, until the winter wind nudged my face. I needed to slow down a little. As I slowed down my bicycle, I realized that my timing was just perfect! I had spotted a winter bird. Her song was a treat to my ears! I dug out my binoculars from the bag. Adjusting the lens, I zoomed in my view. Ah! There it was, making some yoga pose! The rare bird had a maroon breast and glossy feathers. Its tiny eyes dreamt of a cleaner world.

I took out my bird spotting manual. Trying to identify the bird, my eyes caught hold of a picture. It resembled the singing bird. ‘Loten’s sunbird’ read the title of the picture in the manual. Loten’s sunbird is also known as the long-billed sunbird. It is very similar to the purple sunbird. Soaking this information, I hastily scribbled all the details in a notebook.

Eager to capture the bird's picture, I raised my head in delight. I was late this time! The shiny sensation had already disappeared somewhere into the woods.

Engrossed in the poise of my surroundings, I did not realise that it was 8 am. The striking heat of the sun persuaded me to remove the hand knitted sweater, I was wearing. I had to leave for the university. As I parked my bicycle at the park’s gate to enter the time of my departure, I could hear the Loten’s song again! This was possibly a ‘welcome song’. I wished for the day to end soon, so that I could visit again to hear the mesmerising song of the birds.