Awaiting the sparrows

The mornings and afternoons
are rather noisy with
avian visitors claiming their territory.

The handsome and familiar coucal,
with its glowing red eyes,
has just landed with a plan...

to visit the compost heap
and walk around the yard.

The orchestra is in full flow
by mid morning and late afternoon.

The tiny sunbirds hop in and out
of the huge Hibiscus flowers,
chirruping in satisfaction.

The twin woodpeckers land
on  their favourite spot,
the coconut tree trunk,
marking the spot with
a 'now me, then you' style of pecking.

The squabbling crows head towards
the loaded Chikkoo branch.

The yellow billed babblers,
chattering endlessly,
arrive in groups,
targeting the wet patches.

The shrill voiced pair of mynahs
occupy the grass,
their curious heads
turning this way and that,
keeping  an eye out for stealthy felines.

The kestrel, the koel and the drongo
drop by occasionally.

Not wanting to be left out,
the staccato squeaking noise
of the squirrels and the
harsh screeching notes
of the parakeets, flying overhead,
add depth to the tune.

The day ends with the
loud  musical call of the Rufous Treepie,
the active pair practising
the notes of their 'Evening Sonata',
their repetitive call,
making me rush outside
to catch a glimpse of
their beautiful tails,
before they suddenly exit in a flash.

As the sun sets,
I find myself thinking...
Alas! The sparrows are yet to visit.