As we spend more time at the farm this pandemic season the normally shy birds around here are getting accustomed to human presence, and are letting me have privileged access to their lives.
Thursday, 20th August, 2020
Birds Of The Farm - 2020
Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)
This individual was one half of a pair that chose to build a nest on a tree right across our balcony. One of them, presumably the male, fetched nesting material all day while the other stitched it together to make a cosy nest. Inexplicably after all the hard work they abandoned the nest. While it lasted, though, it was like watching a high-quality show on TV.
Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius)
While building their nests Tailorbirds are capable of extremely delicate skills since they make them by sewing leaves together. There's nothing delicate about their calls though. This one was shouting away at the top of a mango tree canopy.
Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus)
As we spend more time at the farm, the white-eyes here have become more and more used to our presence. It's a great feeling when a bird trusts you and lets you get a little more closer. It makes for great photos too.
White spotted Fantail (Rhipidura albogularis)
Whether it's the fancy tail or its whistling call this one is a complete charmer.
Large Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei)
We get a lot of Small Minivets in our farm. This monsoon, for the first time in my experience, this Large Cuckooshrike paid a visit. Perched right outside the house, it called incessantly. I had to suspend my work, come out and pay heed. Almost as if it had stopped by only to say hi, it flew away as soon as I got this one picture.
