IF you take time to stand and stare, you will be able to sharpen your observation of the wildlife in your own backyard. Tune in to the various sounds that punctuate the quietude, and look to see what is producing them. Perhaps it comes from a bird, a tree shrew or a macaque. I have had the pleasure of seeing a variety of birds, insects and animals in my neighbourhood. Once, a family of seven civet cats was spotted climbing the gate and roof of my neighbour’s house.
All the pots of bird nest ferns (which I found in the cracks of drains and fence) hanging in the patio have nests made by the yellow-vented bulbuls. Over and over again, they have been weaving their nests in my pots. One even has a double-storey nest! Apart from twigs and dried leaves, strips of plastic also make up the material which the birds use in the construction of their homes. It is fascinating indeed.
