Encounters with MCC's Avian Dwellers

As part of our Bioregional Studies class, our Professor, Dr Samuel Rufus, encouraged us to explore the flora and fauna of MCC. We were asked to go around the campus, click pictures of the birds we spot and identify them using Google Lens. And thus began our birdwatching adventure that started with the allotted hour and extended into two days of after-class group excursions.

In the book, The Bioregional Imagination: Literature, Ecology, and Place, a bioregion is defined, literally and etymologically, as a "life place" - a unique region definable by natural(rather than political) boundaries with a geographic, climatic, hydrological, and ecological character capable of supporting unique human and nonhuman living communities.

With this idea in mind, we set out to connect with our immediate cohabitants, and it was an experience that awakened something within each of us. What I found most intriguing in this exercise was heightening my sensory reception to locate the birds, by detecting movements among canopies and following whistles and chirps. Sometimes when I close my eyes and listen, it feels like the whole forest is talking to me.

In addition to birdwatching, we also explored the various forest trails on the campus. We discovered many that we never knew existed. It was a good trek as we climbed trees, touched leaves, and plucked lemons (okay...climbing trees was just me). At the end of the day, we were the happiest bunch of young adults with twigs in our hair, scratches on our limbs, wild limes in our pockets and souls dancing with nature.

It is almost illegal not to comment on our group of birdwatchers. What made this experience most memorable and enduring is the enthusiasm of each one of us. Even without discussing ground rules, everyone maintained silence and showed great collaboration and coordination in spotting, capturing pictures, and identifying the birds. Everyone remained mindful, alert, and active throughout.

Given below are the pictures we took and our humble attempt at identifying the birds :

Orange-headed Thrush

Mangrove Pitta

Blue-faced Malkoha or Small Green-billed Malkoha

Peahen

Ashy Drongo

Velvet-fronted Nutthatch

Stork-billed Kingfisher (right)

Indian Golden Oriole

We also happened to spot something that looked like a small owl, but it disappeared before we could click a pic or take a better look. If discrepancies are found between any of the birds and their names, we would gladly make corrections and would appreciate your guidance. Thank you.