The koel and the neem

I am lucky enough to have my office situated in a rare pocket of green in the middle of the city – Kotturpuram.  Of course, it is rapidly being encroached upon by fresh construction projects, office as well as residential buildings.  Still, I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies in the face of the inexorable march of “progress”.

The top floor of our office building is a semi-open area used for dining.  I always choose eat/take a break alone in order to recharge, to enjoy the surrounding trees and the birds.

We have a drumstick (horseradish) tree and a row of Ashoka trees (which resemble the poplar) to the east.  On the west grow a mango tree as well as a chikoo (sapodilla), along with a huge neem or margosa, that towers over the others at more than 30 feet.

I do declare the neem is my favorite. I like the fact that it lets a large amount of light and air through, though it provides much  needed shade. I love the tracery of its branches and leaves  against the sky.

There is a large disused lot to the south  covered with scrub jungle – thorn bushes and  low trees – which is home to a multitude of animals and birds – squirrels, rats, snakes, babblers, koels and several more of the avian species.  Unfortunately, I am no Salim Ali and the only birdcall I recognize is the koel’s loud, distinctive cry.  I heard it for the first time  this year on the 25th of April.  I don’t hear it in the winter.  Is it still around but mute?  Or does it fly off to hunting grounds unknown?  This link has more info on the nesting habits of the koel but doesn’t seem to answer these questions.

© Sosha Srinivasan