Chapter 8: A surprise visit

The other day I made an unplanned visit to the mini forest while returning from the grocery store. So, obviously, I didn't have my camera with me. That is why this post does not contain any pictures at all. However, I couldn't help but share this experience instead of the post I had planned initially.

So, here's what happened when I went to the forest at noon-

There was pin-drop silence; I was trying to spot some birds when suddenly something big flew over my head. Until I could figure what it was, another smaller bird flew over in the same direction. The smaller one was the Red-vented Bulbul, sitting on a branch, all fluffed up. And just below it was the bigger bird - Asian Koel. The Koel then flew to another tree, followed by the Bulbul, again😂.

While on the opposite tree, some beautiful birds were making their signature sound. Nah, not the Asian koel. There were two Red-whiskered Bulbul dancing and singing around the Greater Coucal who was quietly enjoying the shade.

Meanwhile, near the garbage pits, the fantail and the sparrows were having a feast. It was one of the rare times when the cats weren't pouncing on these little birdies. All five of them were just making the most of the calmness and the cool shadow they had over their heads. Whatever was going on did not bother them, even slightly. Although, one of them was staring at me contemptuously as if I'm her slave😆.

While I was observing all this, the Koel started singing. So, I began searching for the female. However, she was not there on any of the trees. But then I heard her voice from a distance, and as soon as the sound stopped, two to three male koels began to serenade her. The one that I had spotted a while ago, flew in the direction of her sound with full speed and a soulful song. I could literally feel how desperately he was trying to woo her.

This surprise visit of mine actually surprised me because I didn't expect to encounter all these birds and those 5 "I don't care if you are here" cats when it was heating outside. Happy Birding!!