Amidst The Flamingos . . .

I have never chanced upon a flamingo (except in the rarefied environs of a zoo!). Over the years, I was keenly looking for an opportunity to fulfil my long cherished dream. When it was time to attend the annual conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society at Pune, I was scouting around (as usual!) for some birding locations. After googling around for long, by sheer chance, I located a water body more than 100Kms away from Pune which is a wintering site for flamingos. Thanks to tips from fellow birders, I identified a local villager, Sandeep who has who could guide me in my quest. One afternoon I left Pune leaving behind its noise and bustle and reached Kumbhargaon, a small nondescript village on the border of large water body. It was too late to venture into the lake and spent some time catching up with Sandeep and family. It was interesting to hear that Sandeep had completed his masters in history from Pune University and after returning to his village, felt entranced by the rich bird life around the village. Slowly he started identifying and reading about them and also initiated attempts to sensitize the villagers about conservation. He has been able to inspire a group of youngsters who have now formed a birding group. I met couple of them and was struck by their knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Sandeep’s mother cooked a lovely dinner and we spent the night in their house, where they had built an extra room for the visitors. Early next morning ventured into the lake and was soon greeted by plethora of bird sounds….and the flamingos! There were scores of them, suffused in the early morning glow. It was an ethereal experience. I just sat in the boat totally shrouded in silence, absorbing the magical sight. Those images are deeply ensconced in my mind’s eyes still and these captures through the lens pale in comparison!

At: http://flickr.com/gp/24876955@N02/r58RFJ/

It also inspired the muse in me!

As I ventured
In the vast expanse of water
Amidst the stillness
Of an early morning
I cast my eyes
On these flamingos wading
I watched them in silence
Till my heart was full.
It’s past believing
But they were waiting
For my lucky eyes.
And as they flew
Their iridescent feathers
Were colourful ribbons
Etched in the sky.