I like birds
The Siberian Stonechat’s brown, black, and white color palette may not be an instant crowd-pleaser. But we cannot judge birds by their appearances. It makes even less sense than doing that to human beings. You reserve the right to pass on the candidate, who shows up for a job interview looking like Andy Dufrene after... Continue Reading →
I first spotted the Coppersmith Barbet on a chilly morning, outside a bird sanctuary in Chennai. I followed its metronome call to a large berry tree. I saw the barbet feasting on wild berries in one of the branches. The long winter shadows had cast a spell over the leaves, and I was unable to... Continue Reading →
Kerala is wounded. Its people are suffering. Nearly 400 have been killed due to the recent floods that are ravaging its citizens, as well as its neighbors in Karnataka. The loss of livelihood has been unimaginable. If you live outside of South India, you may not have heard of the crisis. Hell, I live about... Continue Reading →
Some of my best comebacks occur to me only after the argument has ended. I do not act on it. Obviously, that will be childish and ineffective. It is tempting, though. Especially, when I am dealing with road rage caused by mouthy traffic violators. I tend to lose my cool around them. Many a time... Continue Reading →
(Updated - with videos) I have had a few memorable experiences with the Indian Gaur (Indian Bison) - the largest bovine species in South East Asia. In 2012, I saw a herd crossing a golf course for the first time. Awestruck by their imposing physique, I approached them with reckless abandon. Mercifully, an alpha male... Continue Reading →
Not many of us can survive the impact of not being loved the way we want to be loved. When someone loves us the way they want to, we find fault in it. However sincere they may be, their love comes undone. At times, it feels worse than not being loved at all. It is... Continue Reading →
I romanticize every sunrise I see. Whenever the first light appears from behind the clouds, the sky hosts a grand ceremony to celebrate life, death, ecstasy, and despair. It turns into a soaking wet fruit salad. There are rosy cherries, honey-roasted plums, and smoked orange slices. One time I saw a pineapple undress itself. The... Continue Reading →
It is inevitable to lose the people we love; family members, friends, pets or colleagues. Experiencing the loss is a pivotal part of the learning process to lead a happy and productive life. On a long enough timeline - everyone departs. Every relationship comes with an expiry date. People leave. We get upset. Then, we... Continue Reading →
Last October, years after being swept off my feet by the birds of south India, I fell in love again. I was cruising on a Sunday morning in hope that I could spot pelagic birds. At a distance, I saw a gathering of winged creatures near a residential plot on the highway. Getting closer, I... Continue Reading →
In May 2017, I made a dramatic exit from this blog to embark on newer pursuits. Since then, I have collaborated on 10 podcast episodes, and I have grown fond of Instagram. I have not done much else. Meanwhile, I had continued to collect stories about my experiences as a birdwatcher. Just like I used... Continue Reading →
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