The other afternoon I was watching a group of babblers – a bird that gradually darkens from a pale cream at the top of its head to dark brown tail feathers – and was struck by the singular way in which it moves. It takes large hops for a bird its size, with a peculiar bouncing motion. Even its flight, at times, looks like a giant leap, which brings to mind ‘Jurassic Park’ and the distinctive movements of some of the smaller dinosaura portrayed in the movie. All the more reason to think scientists may be correct in theorizing that birds are more closely related to the extinct creature than we might believe or imagine.

As I write this, the peace is shattered by what sounds like a prehistoric monster in full battle cry – and I look up wryly as the pneumatic drill at the construction site next door goes about its noisy job.

Some of the bird calls I hear are simple cheeps and chirps; others incorporate more complicated musical scales. A few months ago I heard a series of very involved notes. Intrigued, I walked in the general direction of the sound and peered over the wall – only to see a car backing up on the road below – making warning bird noises!

© Sosha Srinivasan