June 2023 was a special month for me. A pair of red vented bulbuls was inspecting my garden. Everything in my garden was being investigated. Reassured, the birds started building a nest on a champa (Plumeria) tree. Soon, within a week, a small nest started taking shape, all set to face any storm. I was having a great time watching all the activity, for I had longed to see nestlings in my garden since long. Initially, the female would sitting in the nest for the entire day and fly away at sunset. Later, she could be seen sitting in the nest almost roun the clock. One morning, I was woken up by the beautiful chirps and calls of the parent-tobe.

 

There was an evident feeling of joy that had filled that corner of my garden. I carefully looked into the nest and there they were! Two beautiful eggs with pinkish-purple spots. Two days later, I heard the calls of male again and I was sure that the chicks had arrived. And sure one had. A little wobbly head, shaking and shivering, waiting for its parents to bring it food. The next afternoon, another egg hatched. And what followed for the next few days was a beautiful display of affection of the parents and the faith of the nestlings that would be taken care of. As days passed by, the bald babies began to grow small feathers. In the beginning of July, I went near the nest again with my phone camera on. As soon as I took my phone near the nest, one of the nestlings opened its mouth, as if looking for a treat. In just a few seconds, it flew away from the nest.

 

The other one also took to the skies along with its mother. Soon, all had abandoned the nest and the elder baby and from then on, I have no idea where they all went. Those 40 days gave me beautiful memories. My champa tree was a witness, along with me, of the beauty of Nature. The experience underlined how adopting Nature’s perspective will enrich our life.