It was a warm winter morning in the polluted city of Mumbai. My eyes frequently drifted towards the heap of compost that was laid down on the ground to dry. I knew this site was a feast for birds. Some of my memorable bird sightings have occurred at this very location.

The time was around 10 AM and the chatter of the birds had not died down yet. This was the advantage of the composting site. Small and large insect-feeding birds are seen all day around it. On this particular occasion, I was observing 2 House Mynas, 2 Spot-breasted Fantail Flycatchers, 3 Oriental Magpie Robins, 2, Red-vented Bulbuls, 1 Indian Paradise Flycatcher, 1 Indian Blackbird and 1 Common Tailorbird- all sharing a 6 metres stretch of drying compost patch.

(Click on the play-button below to view the video)

The entire area which was buzzing with activity suddenly became a silent zone. I remembered one of the forest guards we met at Tamil Nadu say to us: When a tiger settles in a particular part of the forest, the immediate vicinity becomes absolutely silent. It seemed like the same had occurred here.

About 10 minutes passed, and the cat decided it’s play time was done. It stood up and crossed back to our side and walked away as coolly as it appeared. Not even
30 seconds passed and all the birds came back to that patch! What an amazing scene this was!

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