We have quite a few feathered friends visit our balcony. These include house sparrows, bulbuls, rufous treepies, crows and common mynas (starlings). Oh! And how could I forget the omnipresent pigeons?!

Starlings (mynas) have a special place in my heart. They have been visiting our home for the past 16 years. Their chatty energy, walk like an Egyptian strides and strong familial bonds; captivate me unfailingly.

They love grapes. In summer, the bird bath transforms to their “cool down tub”. Many a showers are taken through the day.

When we shift to our new home, I get a nest box specially designed for mynas. The mynas visting us here, aren’t such big fans of grapes. This essentially lets me adhere to the wisdom shared by wildlife experts, of not feeding wild birds. Yet, I digress, which a different story for later. 

Homing

After we install the myna house (a larger box, ideal for them); they show no interest in it, whatsoever. Then one fine morning, in late May, I notice a pair; chilling and chattering away most parts of the day, in the balcony. They make themselves comfortable under our lime tree, or perched on the frangipani. We then notice, they fly in and out of the nest box, conducting a scrutinised survey.

I peer from behind the curtains, so as not to disturb them.

They return with leaf litter, fresh grass and various contraptions, to line the nest box. I am ecstatic beyond words.

Soon enough, the couple is incubating their eggs.

Myna eggs are the most gorgeous thing you’ll see. Personally I haven’t seen one, except on the internet!

The incubation lasts around 15-20 days. We sart hear the fledglings, from inside the box.

“Cheep, cheep, cheep.”

Each time Mishka, our Cocker spaniel steps out into the balcony, their guards go up. One of the adults, squawks loudly and flies to almost peck/attack Mishka. A hilarious sight to witness. Mishka has no choice, but to walk back inside. Talk about parents being protective!

As the chicks grow to be juveniles, they can often be seen sticking their head out of the nest box. An endearing sight to behold!

My days are spent observing them. Meanwhile, the myna couple spends their entire day fattening up the chicks with worms, grasshoppers etc. No rest for the wicked!

Before we know it, the chicks are gone. No sign of the adult duo either. An emptiness engulfs my being. I almost mourn their absence.

Ten days later, another pair arrives, surveying the nest box. A new cycle begins.

I rejoice!

Feature image: The Myna couple from our balcony.

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I am participating in the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2026, and my theme is Nature’s Voice – Notes from Nature.

As a Telepathic Animal & Nature Communicator, and an avid nature lover, I receive plenty of messages and downloads from the animal and plant world, landscapes, water bodies, as well as aquatic life. I shall take you through a fascinating journey, where we shall connect and communicate with all things non-human, but as a humans. Together, we shall also appreciate nature’s offerings.

Telepathic Animal & Nature communication is an intuitive, two way exchange of information through words, emotions, feelings and images between humans and other species/nature. This transcends the barrier of a verbal dialogue and language, helping humans understand animals, nature (trees, landscapes, water bodies) and foster deeper connections. A professional Animal and Nature communicator is also known as an Animal and Nature Whisperer.