Travelling With The Rufous Sibia
The constant companion
Most people are into bird watching with a specific aim. They would love to twitch, photograph, see what existence has to offer. It’s the aim, goal and focus that drives bird watchers leaving me in awe of their perseverance. They hold a healthy competitive spirit at heart, maybe with another but mostly with themselves.
I am one who is happy knowing, I have spent all my time being in harmony with nature, learning about the self and what the universe has to offer. That is what bird watching is to me. Simply watching and being a witness to the colours, flights, habitats, wing spans. Setting the binoculars and meditating on the details, fills me with silence.
The first Songs
One of the first birds I enjoyed at the start of my bird watching journey in 2005 was, the Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia Capistrata). Over the years I have travelled through Northern and Eastern parts of the India subcontinent and it’s various forests, winding roads, habited and secluded locations and enjoyed the skilled song of the Sibia. The moment I hear its tune, I feel like I am home and the place becomes familiar.
The unmistakable rufous dominated coloration with the black head almost like a tiara is a delightful sight. But I call it the “singer” of bird life. The melodious notes, loud resonating call and vigorous tune, truly earns it the title. Whether foraging in the crowns of the trees or perched on the electricity wires, whether in favourite spaces of the Himalayas or travelling to greet the city dwellers, the Rufous Sibia does give a friendly welcome to every wildlifer.
The Black-capped Sibia, as it’s commonly called in India, holds the wings of friendless and welcome. Feeding the berries, or as I like to say, discarding more than eating, it seems to be a picky eater. Maybe a lesson we weight watchers need to take. But no matter if I were travelling through Eagles’ Nest, Lava, Jigme Dorji National Park, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary or the Northern foothills of India, I always hear the double note of its call, almost as it is replying to its own questions.
Songs In Nature
Regal you sat perched in your shining orange attire
Inspite of the red fire of Rhododendrons, you stood out in the green
Wearing that black crown you flew challenging the rising sun
The rays smiled and shared with you a bit of it’s painted blue sky
Right at the entry of the forest you sang like the resonating temple bell
Just as the floating blessings of a prayer your notes kept echoing
At every turn you followed me making me welcome in your jungle
And the happy witness in me smiled in gratitude for you.
Displaying yourself in full glory, uninhibited
Singing without an audience
Roaming with complete abandon
Engaging with the emotions of the forest
You, Dear Rufous Sibia leave me wide eyed
Not just through my binoculars but the lens of life.
