Illustration: Satheesh Vellinezhi
Hidden in the small village of Purbasthali in West Bengal was a large crescent-shaped lake. In winter, it was transformed into a carnival of birds. Naturally it attracted bird lovers who came there to get a glimpse of these exquisite beauties from faraway lands. Especially the beautiful red-crested pochard that came all the way from Europe.Proud pochardRuddy, a young red-crested pochard, had come to the lake the previous winter. He was aware of his species’ celebrity status among the birds. His large round orange head swelled with pride. “Birdwatchers come to see and photograph us,” he declared, as he shoved past a Purple Swamphen feeding on insects.“There’s enough food for everyone for everyone,” she snapped, as Ruddy swam by. “We care about our winter guests.”“But nobody cares about resident birds like you whom they see all year round,” scoffed Ruddy. “Or you,” he added, watching an old Bronze-winged Jacana gobble up an invertebrate. Glancing at a flock of lesser whistling ducks, he mocked, “And certainly not you drab looking birds.”“We might not be as pretty as you, Ruddy,” replied the leader of the flock who had spent many winters on the lake. “Nor important to some humans who, like you, value outward appearances. But, being one of us, you know our worth and the need to stand by each other.”Showing offRuddy dismissed the older bird’s advice with a shake of his bright red bill. Then, noticing a boat full of people on the lake, he decided to be the centre of their attention. But that was impossible surrounded by the lesser whistling ducks, ibis, common coot and the white-eyed pochard. So Ruddy decided to leave the flock.
