Ever since the huge windows in our balcony got framed with reflective glasses it became usual for us to expect flying delicacies, mostly at bird rush hours, either flitting around or simply perching in the bars of window cage. For some it served as a suitable spot for morning gatherings, noon rests and evening chatters, but for most the glasses presented a confusing mirage world of reflection that they wanted to break in to by pecking and kicking or it’s equally possible that they thought of a rival at the other side that they wanted to ward off. Either way, the failure to do whatever they had in their mind only increased their confusion matched with frustration, and an equal increase in determination to try even harder. The first and frequent contenders included House Sparrows, House Crows and Common Mynahs, all of which soon lost their interest in the glasses having tried and failed. Now, they mostly perch in the bars, peck once or twice out of habit and soon retire to their everyday bird errands.
Among all these flapping and fluttering, my interest in birds had started to bud that later turned into a beautiful, full-bloomed hobby. Daily visits from even the most common birds, that I didn’t care to notice earlier, were moments of great enthusiasm for me. And, out of all the birds that paid us visit, two little yellow birds made my enthusiasm soar.
26th March, 2009 was that fateful day when a pair of Yellow-cheeked Tits (parus spilonotus) took their turn of pecking-kicking business. It was around 6:15 AM and I was barely awake when a light sound of pecking reached my ears. I got up and went to the balcony to see which bird has come to test its skills. And, this time there was something new awaiting my arrival: a pair of small yellow birds, slightly smaller than House Sparrow. Both of them had a black crest; one of them had a black, thick strip running down from chin to belly while the other one had comparatively lighter shade of black strip. (After a bit of researching I found that the former was a male while the latter a female.) Also, they’d black wings with specks of white and black layered tail with white strokes. The female seemed to be quite curious about the reflective glass examining it with a keen pair of eyes. But, soon the curiosity turned into annoyance as she couldn’t get past to the world beyond and started pecking the glass with raging anger. All this while her partner mostly perched and twittered as if he didn’t care at all. But, the next day showed his nature in a different light as he started to show some interest and began pecking the glass too. Unlike other birds the pair continued to practice this affair everyday with an equal enthusiasm and turned it into a hobby: perch on the metal projection, peck the glass, sing a while and fly away. Their movements and hobby didn’t suggest rage and anger anymore, instead they seemed to enjoy it, so much so that they repeated it quite a number of times a day. Soon May arrived and with it came scorching summer. The hotter days caused the pair to appear only in early mornings and late evenings, yet they still hadn’t got bored of their hobby, a truly enjoyable game to them. I spent a lot of time watching the little yellow birds and loved them dearly, whether it be their beautiful song, the way they used to drink water from the bird bowl (that we set up for small birds that frequent our balcony in summer), hanging upside down from the top of the window or simply perching with an ever-innocent expression.
The pair visited us almost everyday for one whole year. However, slowly but surely, their interest began to fade away. Still, they cared enough to peck once or twice a day as if reminding us not to forget them and that they hadn’t forgotten us. With passage of time, their interest finally wore away completely and they ceased to follow their daily routine of pecking after a year. But, I’m still aware of their presence in our vicinity as I catch glimpses of them once in a while either perching in the nearby mango tree or singing on top of one of the neighbouring buildings. They’re the reason why I got into birdwatching with utter interest and enjoyment. I’m thankful and equally glad that they crossed my way that fateful day.
Learn more about Yellow-cheeked Tit.