We have birds for tenants

By Lulay De Vera Mateo

Our garden has become a haven for birds. Last year, a couple built a nest at a Japanese bamboo plant by our front door. 

Our sharp-eyed kasambahay, Lyn, discovered the nest. Curiously it was almost at eye level — a daring move for such elusive, cautious creatures. The mother bird would sit snugly in the nest — and it was left to us to give them space and be extra quiet going in and out of the house.

They happen to be the Yellow-vented Bulbul, a type of bulbul bird (pycnonotus goiavier goiavier) that has striped, white speckled plumage above the eye. They are famous for their melodious calls, often heard singing in gardens, forests, and other natural habitats. (tagalog.com and https://infinitylearn.com )

It was too tempting not to take shots of the egg-hatching drama. Soon, we were rewarded with photos of two hungry birdlings taken from our vantage point — a stool strategically positioned inside our sala with only a screen door separating us. At times, we would feed them fruit bits (grapes were a favorite). At one time, I dared put the food too near the nest only to be startled by a desperate flapping of wings past my head — a clear warning from the vigilant father.

A week or so later, the birdlings flew the coop. Just as suddenly, they were all gone. Somehow, our home felt too quiet without our feathered friends. No more tip-toeing going in and out. We should be relieved, yet why did we feel sad?

Then suddenly last April 9, we discovered a new bird couple — yes, a Yellow-vented Bulbul pair. Lyn it was, again, who alerted us of our new ‘tenants.

’ This time the center of activity is a plant right across our living room bay window. And you wonder why they chose this? Do you also wish to know our new discoveries and the remarkable lessons  they teach us?

The birds are good in re-cycling! They are eco-conscious — we couldn’t bear disposing the abandoned nest of the previous bird couple and moved it perched on this plant. Our enterprising new tenants simply recycled it and promptly moved in!

They also observe gender-equity! Both parents alternate in hatching the eggs. At times I would see a chubby head; other times a slightly leaner head peered from the nest. Lyn, ever-observant, confirmed it. Talk about sharing responsibilities!

Alarmed by the on-going heat wave, we would occasionally spray water around the plant, careful not to direct the hose toward the nest. If the mother bird happens to be out, she would promptly fly back to protect her newly- hatched birdlings. Meanwhile, the father bird would stay up at  the electric wire overhead, making sounds which seem to say, “Watch out, no wrong moves cause I’m right here!”

Alas, one of the three birdlings later died owing probably to the extreme heat. And so, life goes on… and it seems brighter because of the presence of these birds.