For me, home is where the birding begins. It is not merely a place of shelter, but an environment filled with love, learning, and the roots of who we become. From an early age, I loved discovering the natural world, which strengthened my relationship with nature. Over the years, home became my best place to connect with nature, especially to watch birds. The Pongam Tree near my residence, particularly its bare upper branch, transformed into a living classroom where I learnt patience, observation, and joy in the simplest of things.
Much of my morning’s music came from birds in the branches of the Pongam Tree (Pongamia pinnata) planted near my house when I was a kid. As I grew up, the tree grew with me. In January, it shed leaves and sprouted tender green ones, but in early 2018, they never grew back. The leafless branch began to host many birds, more than twenty-five species perched there through the day. In May 2018, a colourful Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) visited, marking the beginning of my birding journey. Soon, I was observing and photographing birds, thrilled by a flock of Asian Green Bee-eaters (Merops orientalis) feeding on dragonflies on a rainy evening.
Asian Green Bee-eaters
Every morning, I am awakened by the melodious call of Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus). I rush to the balcony to see them at my favourite branch. Among many visitors, the Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) was unforgettable—capturing its take-off shot taught me patience and perfect timing. My long wait for the White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) was rewarded on a rainy November morning when it finally perched on my favourite branch and became a regular visitor.
White-throated Kingfisher on the bare branch of Pongam
Daily, I also observed House Crows, Common Mynas, Black Drongos, Tailorbirds, and Purple-rumped Sunbirds. At dusk, flocks of Yellow-billed Babblers, Pied Bushchats, and House Sparrows arrived. The Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis) was a constant caller, flicking its tail and singing jimmy-jimmy.
Ashy Prinia jimmy-jimmying!
The branch echoed with bird music, the Kuk-Kuk-Kuk of the Coppersmith Barbet, Kililili of the Kingfisher, Kaaan-Kaaan of Crows, keek-keek of Mynas, and Chweet-Chweet of Purple Sunbirds. It was nature’s orchestra. Other visitors included Indian Palm Squirrel, Oriental Garden Lizard, and dragonflies.
Oriental Garden Lizard sprawled on the bare branch of Pongam
Unforgettable sightings include an Asian Koel pair courting and feeding on Singapore Cherry fruits, a Shikra (Accipiter badius) finally photographed after a year’s wait, and a stunning Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus kundoo) whose yellow glow mesmerised me.
A stunning Indian Golden Oriole dazzling on the Pongam branch
In October 2020, heavy rains came, yet birds still perched on the branch. Then one morning, my favourite branch, the one that had welcomed countless birds and memories, broke and fell. It felt as though a piece of my childhood had fallen with it. A year later, the entire Pongam Tree was cut down for construction. What was once a sanctuary for birds and a soul-space for me now lives only in memory.
All photos by Angeline Mano M.
About the author: Angeline Mano M is a Field Researcher in Ornithology. She is the Pioneer of Nature Education in Tamil Nadu. She is currently working as a Research Assistant and Nature Educator at Salem Ornithological Foundation. Her expertise lies in nature education, material development, bird monitoring, wetland ecology, and research. She works closely with children, youth, women, and local communities to foster a deep connection with nature through education and citizen science. Follow Angeline’s work on Instagram.
