My Weekend Buddy..

“There was a wise old owl who sat in a tree, the less he spoke the more he heard, the more he heard the less he spoke. Why can’t we be like that wise old bird in the tree?” - Paul Ricoeur

During the Covid lockdown, the entire world came to a standstill. Fear and uncertainty enveloped the lives of people, confining them to their homes. The once bustling streets were now deserted, and social interactions became scarce. This global pandemic had slowed down the pace of life for humans everywhere.

In the outskirts of Pune, where vast grasslands once stretched as far as the eye could see, urbanization had taken its toll. The landscape had transformed, as if under a spell of unfortunate magic. Amidst the boredom of staying home, I yearned to break free and explore the altered scenery with my camera. Since there were no restrictions on venturing into nature, I seized the opportunity to embark on a solitary expedition, without violating any Covid rules.

One fine morning, while exploring the grasslands, I stumbled upon a man-made mine filled with water. As I approached the water’s edge, a magnificent bird took flight from my side and perched itself on the opposite end. My senses heightened, curiosity coursing through my veins as I tried to identify the bird through the lens of my camera. With a single click, I captured an image of a Great Indian Eagle Owl. Astonishment washed over me, for I never expected to spot such a majestic creature so close to human habitation. The owl was a massive presence, and its captivating beauty left me in awe. I couldn’t resist taking more photographs to commemorate the rare encounter. Engrossed in observing the owl’s behavior, I spent over an hour basking in its presence before bidding it farewell and returning home. Days later, driven by an irresistible urge, I revisited the location. Initially, I believed the owl would have moved on, but to my astonishment, I spotted a pair of them. They blended seamlessly with their surroundings, their camouflage making them difficult to discern. It became evident that this grassland had become their home, and I felt like an intruder in their domain. As humans were locked inside their homes, these birds had embraced their newfound freedom, adapting to their surroundings with remarkable resilience.

For nearly three years, since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, I have been fortunate to witness this owl pair on every weekend excursion. I eventually stopped capturing their images and instead chose to sit quietly, immersing myself in their world. Over time, I even had the privilege of observing their offspring — a trio of adorable chicks. The sight of the family unit, all in one frame, filled my heart with joy. As a passionate birder, I couldn’t have asked for more. As a birder who had never encountered the Indian Eagle Owl before, I have now formed a one-sided friendship with these magnificent creatures. Every weekend, I eagerly venture out to observe them, adding a touch of serenity to my mornings. The sheer pleasure of witnessing their graceful movements and pondering over their way of life adds an extra layer of beauty and tranquility to my weekends. It’s remarkable how these encounters have transformed my perspective, making me appreciate the simple joys of nature and finding solace in the company of these fascinating birds.

I hope that these beautiful creatures continue to thrive and find happiness in their chosen habitat, undisturbed by human encroachment. Their presence serves as a gentle reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of coexistence. As the world around us continues to evolve and change, I find solace in knowing that there are pockets of untouched beauty where these magnificent creatures can flourish

“An owl is the wisest of all birds because the more it sees the less it talks.”- Christie Watson