“Since the early bird catches the worm, it’s a good idea to begin your day as soon as you can-unless, of course, you happen to be a worm.”

Ed Bliss

Hola! Amigos. ♥

I’m back after a longish break. Longer than I had promised and anticipated myself. Today, I bring to you part two of the series the early bird  catches the worm. You can read Part I, here.

I really missed all my friends and their posts in blogosphere. Having said that the last three weeks of my life were rather eventful, blessed and a revelation of sorts.

I am pleased to share that I am now a Certified Telepathic Animal and Nature Communicator. (This link has an interview with my incredible teacher, Manjiri Latey; in case you are wondering what this is all about).

I finished my course a few weeks ago, in the beautiful forests of Kanha. It was an experience beyond beautiful, and I look forward to sharing the same with you in an upcoming post.

All of last week we were blessed to have a bunch of kids, infect our home with their joyous and buoyant energies. We were hosting my 14 year-old’s friends from her boarding school, while the summer vacations are on.

If you ever need some joy infused in your life, consider spending time with children, nature and animals. They are the balm that you were looking for, to ease and set aside your worries. 

 

The Early Bird Readies to Catch the Worm

Okay, without much ado, today I take you for a walk to the Chandu Wetlands, in the NCR (National Capital Region) around Delhi. 

This walk was on 2 April, over a month ago, when “apparently” Spring was all set to hang its boots. Without having to sound selfish, and fortunately for us, but not at all for the farmers and global warming; we have had pleasant days ever since, with intermittent rainfall. Else this time of the year in May is blazing hot.

Time to Say Adieu to the Wintering Migrants

My 14 year-old and I drive out in the wee hours of the second day of April, a cool, crisp Sunday morning, armed with her Canon and binoculars. We are joining Abhishek and his Ninox cohort – a wildlife community he runs, to educate and create awareness around the joys of birding, being one with wildlife and appreciating different species.

Our agenda today is to catch glimpses of the migratory birds that have wintered here, before they head out for their onward journey. 

It takes us approximately thirty minutes to drive and get to the destination, but only minus traffic. We listen to Spotify, while Google maps guides us through the way that criss-crosses the suburbs of Gurgaon. Even though I have been here multiple times, it’s easy to lose way.

We traverse through the potholes and the partially constructed suburbs of our city, to reach the nearby hamlets and farmlands. These are home to a wide range of fauna, and bustling with a wide spectrum of avian life. If we look around attentively and try to look at a lower level (as when, birding all we do is look up, you see!), we end up having chance encounters with many other species. On a good day these may include mammals like Golden Jackals, Mongoose, an odd reptile here and there, and plenty of other visible and non-visible critters.

Not So Early, these Birds

We have missed the Ninox bunch just by a whisker as we lost our way and ended up taking a longish detour. But soon enough we are at Chandu wetlands, which is barely a stones throw away from our meeting point, Shri Burfiwalla.

Everyone’s just bracing up for the day, armed with their gear. 

All photos are taken by our 14-year old on her Canon, except where I mention.

 

The blotted, inky yet grey morning sky is slowly but surely, stretching out its arms and yawning up to a golden hue.

We make pit stops to savour a few birds, like the Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Striated babblers, the Baya weavers, Tits etc. that have made an appearance.

The freshly harvested millet fields sparkle, as the golden orb rises and shines, clearing traces of the morning mist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Surprise Winged Wonders

We then drive out a little further, to be greeted by a whole flock of Red-Headed Buntings that winter here in India. We are lucky to get a wholesome sighting before they migrate to their summer destination. These are lifers for me. 

Abhishek keeps reminding everyone to maintain a safe distance, so as not to disturb the birds while filming them. These days the fauna loving, social media, and eye ball garnering paparazzi world over; have created much unrest amongst wildlife, while not maintaining protocols. It’s so important to be reminded of these protocols time and again. This helps us respect their spaces, so as not to distress or disturb them and their habitat. 

Suddenly another  winter visitor pops into the picture, one that we can’t take our eyes off. Gorgeous and endearing all at the same time. I am seeing it for the second time. It is a lifer for the 14 year-old who now manages to get some decent shots.

Check it out, as you scroll down.

*Lifer – Lifer is a designation for a species that an individual birder has never seen previously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heading into the Wetlands

We are now done savouring the birds in the meadows and fields. It is time to set the wheels rolling to see the waders and other birds of Chandu wetlands. So we cruise towards the water bodies, which are just a few minutes apart from the meadows.

As we drive towards the wetlands; suddenly someone notices a Spotted Owlet enjoying a morning snooze by a large tree and clearing. The presence of a few cars alerts the raptor and we are greeted with a suspicious gaze.

 

 

 

Witnessing the Wetlands

As we arrive by the water bodies, we notice the Painted storks, Pied Avocets, Stilts, Garganeys, Wooly Necked storks, Spot-Billed Ducks, Temmick’s Stints and many others, busy feasting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And It’s Wrap Up

It’s been a quiet, breezy morning, and a feast to our eyes, one that every passionate birder and wild lifer would wish to experience.

We spot 3 more beautiful raptors – a Greater Spotted Eagle, an Osprey flying away with its morning catch – a fish, and most likely a Buzzard; but farther away. 

It’s a joy to see so many different species of birds in one location. A truly memorable time.

Abhishek’s presence is always the cherry on the cake, as it helps clarify a lot of unanswered questions, and also an opportunity to identify and learn about many more species, than we usually would. 

 

Feature Image Credits: Hemant Garg, on another Ninox trail to Bhondsi. A Fire Capped Tit, with its early bird catch.

Other Image Credits: The 14-year old on her Canon (except where I mention).

 

*******

Adieu, but Not Without a Few Thoughts to Ponder Upon

 

Which was your favourite picture/moment amongst all the ones I’ve shared here?

Have you ever considered going bird watching, or just exploring the natural landscape in your back yard?

If yes, what does it do to you?

Every time I get out into nature I return home grounded, joyous and filled with so much gratitude for all the wildlife species that we co-habit with.

I believe, we lesser mortals need to value their presence more than we currently do. We have to find a way to respect their spaces, and help more and more people become aware of their valuable contribution to the ecosystem of our blue planet.

Till we meet again soon!

Love, light and laughter galore,

 

Natasha ♥

 

Signing off  with Cat Stevens recent rendition of “Morning has Broken” at my favourite city of Istanbul.

Are you a Cat Stevens fan?