You my World & You my Life

I just can't stop loving you

Hey folks,

Back again with “InFocus”. Did Romeo meet his Juliet? Did the handsome leopard win over his mate? What happened later?

Questions, questions & questions on everyone’s mind. Those who responded were quite certain that Romeo & Juliet were made for each other (everyone wants a happy ending), and some even suggested what Romeo should do (I hope you guys read the comments in all “InFocus” blogs. Surely they are far more exciting & fascinating than the blog itself. I can vouch for that). So do not hold back, just dive in and enjoy reading the comments section.

Meanwhile, I even got requests to feature “birds” in my “InFocus”.

So here I bring “You my World & You my Life”.

It is that time of the year when the national bird of India is in full “plumage”. Yes, I am talking about the “peacock”.

Am sure most readers would know, that a male bird is more “ornamental or colourful” than a female. Why is it so? Why is it so different from humans? (no arguments here please). Let me have your views. Would be interesting to know different perspectives. The bottom line, again. A peacock is far more colourful & attractive than a peahen.

So here we are as I bring to you that most glorious Indian forest experience, as a full plumage peacock, tries to win over her heart, by doing everything he can, all antics, to catch her attention & win her over.

It was early morning and despite the summer, the morning was cool as we entered the park. A bit of a drive, about a km or so and we saw him walking daintily right across our safari track.

He had a spring in his step. Every step was purposeful as he walked (almost floating in the air) towards the other end of the track. Good looking, colourful & resplendent he stood out against a verdant background. Surely, nobody could miss him.

Some careful searching & peeping through the green foliage & I saw her, the motivation for that spring in his step. She was coy and was trying her best to hide those blushes. She was aware of his advances but was staying nonchalant, poor he, I thought.

He walked to the edge, caught her eye and opened his feathers, momentarily. It was magical. His attempt to get her glued to him, checking her reaction, sensing her body language.

Satisfied that he had her full attention, he came out with all the magic in his bag. The lifting of his tail feathers, the unfurling of those feathers, directed completely at her and waving those in a magical arch (I had never witnessed such a shape and arch ever in my umpteen visits to the forest). She had to be special for him to display his full wares to win her over.

An approving nod, that unique coy look from her was enough to throw our guy off and he broke out into a dance with feathers spread open.

He danced and I could feel him singing “Nothing’s gonna change my love for you, you oughta know by now how much I love you, one thing you can be sure of, I’ll never ask for more than your love”

He turned left, he turned right, keeping her in mind and never missing one step, he was over the moon, as he knew he had her approval. It was a sheer delight to see him fall in love and express it so beautifully. Life had taken a new meaning for him and he was not embarrassed at showing it as we looked on.

He was “InFocus” always. He danced such that she could see him in his full glory, displaying all his jewels and dainty steps (which meant, that we being behind him could never see him from the front. No problems as long as she could).

We lost count of time, just as “time stood still” for him. A full act done, he turned to her and closed his wings.

Shades of aqua, green, and blue his feather had formed an alluring cover communicating that he will take her under his wings and provide “lifelong love, warmth & protection”. It was a sight, that has got imprinted on my mind forever.

1-2-3 … he then danced into the forest, towards her.

We drove on ahead to enjoy what more nature & the forest had for us.

About an hour and a half later on our way back, we saw him perched on a tree log.

There was that sparkle in his eyes. His feathers looked more colourful as he just about opened them up. Life was a dream and he was living it up.

That is the magic of love.

Hope “You my World & You my Life” along with “All I Need is Love” have helped you “fall in love” again. Love for nature.

There already have been quite a few of you, who have enquired about Kabini and how to get there and where to stay, and am happy to share that, unlike other National Parks which close in monsoons, Kabini (Nagarhole National Park) is open right through the year.

Park name: Nagarhole National Park (better known as Kabini)

We stay at Jungle Lodges, Kabini Resort (they manage the safaris in the park & costs include all meals and safaris)

Other options: Serai, Bison, Kav, Red Earth etc (private resorts, you have to ask their help for safaris and pay extra for that)

Camera and lens used: Nikon Z9 (mirrorless) and Nikon 400 Prime lens, Aperture: f 2.8

So long then.

Share it with your better half for sure and of course friends and family. Do comment and share how you felt. Especially this was not a predator or a tusker but a bird blog.

“InFocus” promises you another exciting story, next Saturday.

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