Empty Nest

"Where are our babies? I fed them just now and went out to get some more worms," mother Bulbul shouted in panic.

'Yes, they were two of them and were growing fine since five days", the father Bulbul, said worriedly.

A few days ago, I reorganised our balconies with some newly bought flowering plants, vegetable shrubs, and vines. The old bougainvillaeas were blooming with new leaves and some flowers as the rainy season had already started. A pair of Bulbul would visit and inspect the bougainvillaea where its new branches had crisscrossed to build their nest in a concealed place not evident to others from outside. So I instructed my gardener not to disturb that plant.

The nest was built by both of them, and soon the Mom Bulbul laid two eggs. When Mom wanted to go out for food, Dad would come and look after the nest. After fifteen days or so, I suddenly heard the sound of babies when I went to the balcony early in the morning. I could see two pink coloured heads yelling for food. The balcony became a lively hub, filled with a variety of activities and sounds. I had pleasant company while reading a book, sitting in a chair on the balcony.

Just two days ago, the babies began to look bigger, with black feathers starting to appear on their bodies. They were hungry all the time, and so they were demanding food, making a lot of noise. Both Mummy and Daddy had a tough time taking turns to feed them.

Today, the morning was very cool. The balcony routine began with the clattering of babies and Mom Bulbul arriving with a large insect in her mouth to feed them. I was busy writing the nature journal and was engrossed in colouring.

Suddenly, a commotion started, and I witnessed a big fight between a treepie and a Bulbul. I got up from the chair, thinking of the worst thing that could happen. And was horrified to see that it was true.

The treepie must be waiting for the right moment. As soon as the Mom Bulbul went out to get the food, the treepie jumped in and finished his food of one chick. Another chick fell on the balcony below ours.

The disaster had already happened. No one could do anything.

Neither I nor the Bulbul.

The cool morning became very sad.

The unwary Mom and Dad kept visiting the nest all day, holding an insect in their mouths.

The Mom even came inside the room asking,

"Where are my babies gone? Have you seen them?"

I looked at the empty nest.

I said 'Sorry'. I couldn't do more.