“I think the most important quality in a birdwatcher is a willingness to stand quietly and see what comes. Our everyday lives obscure a truth about existence – that at the heart of everything there lies a stillness and a light.”
― Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Mother’s Memoir

Zero Excuses

Why is this post called Zero excuses, you may wonder?

Well, I’ve been toying with the idea of writing this post since late last week. After all, I was fortunate to have had some super exciting birding adventures. The only hitch, among the many others that was stopping me, was to figure a way to transfer the birding images, from the Canon camera which is actually my younger daughter’s. I have never used this camera and all the pictures (95%) you see on Natasha Musing, are taken on my iPhone. 

I will be away the next three days, and I just had to get this post out. I knocked myself on the head with the reminder of, “Enough procrastinating!”

So here I am. 🙂

Plus, Zero Excuses happens to be #AtoZchallenge ‘s Zip Thru Autumn event, which I am attempting to participate. It seems fairly doable, though I haven’t blogged more than once a week in a while.

But what the heck!

Que sera sera!♥

 

The Joy Of Birding and Stumbling Upon the Unexpected

 

I’ve been birding ever since the pandemic in 2020. My 14 year-old, an avid wild-lifer needed a nice outlet during those lockdown days; as much as I did.

Birding was one of the most calming activities we partook during those uncertain times. It gave us hope, it kept our connection and deep love for nature alive, and was an ideal break in the times of social distancing: one that helped reclaim and rejuvenate ourselves, as we prepped to stay indoors rest of the week. I’m so grateful for this hobby that kept us joyous and grounded amidst the trying times. 

After my adorable wild lifer left for boarding late last year, this passion came to a grinding halt. Except, of course when I was on a holiday or break.

But thanks to two wonderful communities here in Delhi-NCR, this passion has once again been re-ignited.

Delhi Bird Foundation run by the very erudite,Nikhil Devasar and Ninox – Owl about Nature, by the adventure seeking and adventure sharing,  Abhishek Gulshan; has once again given wind to my wings, and helped stoke back the passion, and thirst for learning more about wildlife and birds.

Ever since July this year, I spend one day of the weekend birding with this exceptional group of birders. And when there is a unique sighting, I try and take off on a week day too.

These pictures that I share today are from last Thursday.

I can’t thank my friend, Achal enough for introducing me to these enthusiastic, devoted and exceptional bunch of birders. And most importantly, for accompanying me for these early morning jaunts in the outskirts of the city.

Without further ado, here are some frames from the 14 year-old’s Canon. I am still learning to use this camera, and I marvel at all the pictures my girl has taken in the past. I hope I’ll get to her level sooner than later. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bar Tailed Godwit 

I am running out of time. I will be away like I said earlier, and this post needs to go live.

Therefore, it will be a wrap-up with two pictures of the lone Bar-tailed Godwit that has come visiting us, in the outskirts of Gurgaon and Sultanpur border near New Delhi, after almost over 7 years. I wish I could have posted the rest of the images, but I do need to scoot. I promise to post the remainder next week.

 

 

 

 

A Small Trivia:

Did you know that over a lifetime of migration, some shore birds like Bar-tailed Godwits travel the distance to the Moon!!! (3,84,400 kms).

A Bar-tailed Godwit was tracked flying from Alaska to New Zealand (11,000kms) in 9 days without stopping!

Did I hear someone say, “I love flying and then refuelling.” 🙂

 

Adios for now amigos!

Have a delicious weekend and a brand new week ahead.

Love, peace, light and laughter 

Natasha ♥ ♥

 

 

<Small request to my friends in blogosphere to please add my post to their linkys this week. 🙂 Thank you so much!>

 

Linking up with my fabulous friends in blogosphere – Sandee, Keith , Suzana Betty, Steve, and other bloggers for Wordless Wednesday, Yogi and other bloggers for Skywatch Friday ,  Cathy and Alana’s Monday Mewsic Moves and Corinne’s Monday Musings and Trent’s Weekly Smiles. 

 

This post is also written as part of an #AtoZChallenge Event, Zip Thru Autumn. Check out the prompts here.