Birds are all around us. Their songs fill our mornings and evenings, their flying silhouettes are seen across the sky, and their presence brings joy and chirpiness to even the quietest days of our lives. But I always think- why don’t we find enough feathers of birds lying around? There are just so many birds. Ok, you might find your occasional pigeon, myna and kite feathers. But what about all those colourful and beautiful birds? They seem to leave no trace behind, as if nature hides their treasures on purpose.

Today, I was lucky to witness something special. A bright male Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus kundoo) sat on a high branch on majestic Rain Tree, glowing like a drop of sunlight among the leaves. He was preening, smoothing his feathers with calm precision. Then I saw one loose feather break free. The wind caught it and carried it softly to the main bark of the same tree, which was wrapped in a huge money-plant like creeper. I was sure that tiny golden feather would get stuck somewhere there but then I saw the feather fly from the other side of the bark! I followed it with my eyes, intently. It was making its way to the ground.

The feather drifted lower, and suddenly got pushed sideways because of the wind, instead of moving downwards. It brushed past a palm tree wrapped in a curling green creeper. It got caught again, trembling gently, and then continued its slow fall. Just when I thought I would see it touch the ground, it vanished behind a curtain of leaves. I ran downstairs, heart pounding with excitement, and searched every patch of earth like a child on a treasure hunt. I found several myna feathers but alas, no golden feather of the oriole.

Maybe it was never meant to be found. Perhaps the real treasure was the chase, the glimmering moment of wonder that reminded me how beauty often exists only for an instant, before the wind carries it away! My eyes will continue to scan the urban floors and forest floors with equal enthusiasm in the hope that I might one day stumble upon a magnificent feather.

Feathers always fascinated you? Check out this piece “Nature’s Palette in Flight” written by me and Ashwin. Photos by Rama Aadhithan.

Short Stories #birds #nature birdlove citybird earthlynotes feather feathers featherstory fiction flamingo mumbaibirds nature naturelove natureobservation naturephotography naturewatch observeandlearn oriole photography theearthlynotes urbanbirds urbanwildlife wildlifewatch writing