Summary Trills and Thrills: Birdwatching in India
This autobiographical excerpt from Dr. Salim Ali's book "The Fall of a Sparrow" offers fascinating insights into the life of India's most renowned ornithologist. The essay challenges the common perception that birdwatching is full of dramatic adventures, presenting it instead as a peaceful yet exciting pursuit.
Dr. Ali describes how his fieldwork revealed behaviors in birds that contradicted textbook descriptions, leading him to question established knowledge. He recounts several thrilling and dangerous encounters during his ornithological expeditions across India.
The narrative includes two particularly memorable incidents. The first occurred in February 1946 at Parambikulam in Kerala, where Dr. Ali and an Austrian anthropologist, Baron Omar Rolf, encountered a wild tusker while searching for the Broad-tailed Grass Warbler. Their panicked flight, particularly Omar's rapid sprint, provides a humorous account of human reactions to wildlife encounters. Interestingly, the elephant had likely not even noticed them and simply wandered away.
The second incident took place in 1945 along the dangerous Himalayan trail from Almora to Lipu Lekh Pass. While observing a Yellow-naped Yuhina through binoculars, Dr. Ali became so absorbed that he stepped backward toward a cliff edge, coming within two inches of falling into a 300-foot abyss. This hair-raising moment illustrates the risks ornithologists sometimes face in their passionate pursuit of birds.
Despite these hazards, Dr. Ali emphasizes that he has spent over half a century watching birds primarily for the pleasure and elation they provide. He describes birdwatching as a form of "escapism" that needs no justification, celebrating the peaceful joy of observing birds in their natural habitats.
About Dr Salim Ali
Dr. Salim Ali (1896-1987)
Dr. Salim Ali is celebrated as the "Birdman of India" and is considered one of the most important ornithologists in Indian history. His systematic approach to bird study and his passion for conservation have left an indelible mark on Indian ornithology.
Major Achievements:
- First Systematic Bird Surveys: He was the first Indian to conduct comprehensive, systematic bird surveys across the entire Indian subcontinent
- Landmark Publications: Co-authored the monumental ten-volume Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan with Sidney Dillon Ripley, which remains a definitive reference work
- Prolific Author: Wrote numerous books on ornithology, making bird study accessible to both scientists and amateur enthusiasts
- National Recognition:Awarded Padma Bhushan in 1958
- Awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1976 (India's second-highest civilian honor)
Legacy:
Dr. Salim Ali's contributions to ornithology are commemorated through various honors:
- Salim Ali's Fruit Bat and Salim Ali's Dwarf Gecko are species named after him
- Several bird sanctuaries across India bear his name
- Educational institutions dedicated to ornithology honor his memory
His work spanning over five decades transformed the understanding of Indian avifauna and inspired countless birdwatchers and naturalists. His approach combined rigorous scientific methodology with deep appreciation for nature's beauty.
Answers to Questions in the Article
a. What is special about ornithology?
Ornithology as a hobby or profession is special because:
- It is one of the most peaceful pursuits, offering tranquility and connection with nature
- It is not lacking in excitement and thrills, providing unexpected adventures
- It offers a balance of rewards and disappointments, making it genuinely engaging
- In India particularly, the richness and variety of bird life means exciting discoveries can be made by any birdwatcher, from beginner to expert
- It provides opportunities for both scientific study and personal enjoyment
b. Is there any difference between what we read in books about birds and their real life? Explain.
Yes, there is a significant difference. Dr. Salim Ali discovered that birds in real life don't always behave according to textbook descriptions.
While photographing birds from a canvas hide near their nests, he observed "unusual goings on" that contradicted the traditional accounts of bird nesting habits he had grown up reading. This suggests that:
- Textbooks provide generalized patterns based on limited observations
- Individual birds may exhibit unique behaviors not documented in standard literature
- Real-world observation is essential for truly understanding bird behavior
- Field study reveals complexities that cannot be captured in written accounts alone
This realization is why Dr. Ali emphasizes the importance of direct field observation over relying solely on published accounts.
c. On what occasion can elephants be dangerous? Why?
Elephants can be dangerous in specific circumstances:
- Rogue elephants - Individual elephants with aggressive temperaments that attack unpredictably
- Females with small calves - Mother elephants are extremely protective and will attack if they perceive any threat to their young
Otherwise, Dr. Ali notes that "there is little danger from a wild elephant" in normal circumstances. The key is avoiding close encounters, as sudden meetings at close quarters can startle the elephant and trigger defensive behavior. However, as his Parambikulam incident shows, elephants often don't even notice human presence and simply go their own way.
d. What was the impact of the construction of the Parambikulam dam?
The construction of the Parambikulam hydro-electric project had devastating environmental impacts:
- The Cochin Forest Tramway was dismantled to make way for the project (this romantic tramway was removed shortly after Dr. Ali's 1946 journey)
- A huge dam and reservoir was created that completely submerged Parambikulam
- "All the lovely country around it" was lost underwater, destroying the natural habitat
- The entire ecosystem and landscape that existed there was permanently altered
Dr. Ali's nostalgic description suggests regret over this environmental loss, as the area was rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.
e. What was the sight the forest guard pointed to?
The forest guard pointed to the head of a wild tusker (male elephant with tusks) striding down the same narrow animal trail from the opposite direction.
The guard suddenly ducked and excitedly pointed ahead because they were on a collision course with the elephant. The narrow path through dense tall grassland (over five feet high) meant there was no easy escape route, making the encounter particularly dangerous.
f. How did Salim Ali react when he saw the tusker?
Salim Ali's reaction was immediate and instinctive:
- He just glimpsed the elephant's head before acting
- He turned to flee as fast as he could without hesitation
- He motioned to Omar (who was ten yards behind) to do likewise
- He ran but was outdistanced by Omar by about a hundred yards
- He continued running until he was safe, arriving hot and panting
His reaction demonstrates the natural human fear response to encountering a large wild animal at close quarters, even for an experienced naturalist.
g. Do animals always attack when they encounter human beings? Explain.
No, animals do not always attack when they encounter humans. The Parambikulam incident perfectly illustrates this:
- The elephant "had perhaps never noticed our presence" despite being on the same path
- It simply "veered away into the grass before reaching the bend" and disappeared
- The elephant was not seen again, having gone its own way peacefully
This shows that:
- Animals are often unaware of human presence or uninterested in humans
- Most wild animals prefer to avoid confrontation rather than attack
- Attacks usually occur only when animals feel threatened, are protecting young, or are surprised at close quarters
- Human panic may be unnecessary in many wildlife encounters
The humor in this incident lies in the fact that both men ran in terror from an elephant that probably never even knew they were there.
h. What made Salim Ali's 'hair stand on end'?
When Salim Ali casually looked back over his shoulder after hearing a pebble roll down the hill, he saw that he was standing on the very edge of a cliff. He realized in a flash that:
- He was positioned with his back to a 300-foot vertical drop to the roaring Kali river below
- There was a thousand-foot vertical scarp on one side
- He was only two inches away from the edge - two more inches backward and he would have followed the pebble down the abyss
- He had been so absorbed in watching the Yellow-naped Yuhina through his binoculars that he was completely unmindful of his dangerous position
This terrifying realization of how close he came to death made his hair literally stand on end - a phrase indicating extreme fear and shock.
Answers to "Let's Rewind" Questions
1. Why does the author say that 'the birds had not read the textbooks'?
This is a humorous and insightful statement meaning that birds don't always behave according to published descriptions.
Dr. Ali had grown up reading "traditional accounts of the nesting habits of birds" which provided standardized descriptions of bird behavior. However, when he observed birds directly from his canvas hide while photographing them, he noticed "unusual goings on" - behaviors that contradicted what the textbooks said.
This phrase suggests that:
- Nature is more complex than our documentation of it
- Real observation often reveals exceptions to established rules
- Birds follow their own instincts, not human descriptions
- Field study is essential for accurate understanding
It's a gentle criticism of relying too heavily on written accounts rather than direct observation, and highlights the importance of empirical research in ornithology.
2. You know what happened when Salim Ali and Omar went birdwatching in Parambikulam. Why do people engage in such adventurous but challenging activities?
People engage in adventurous activities like birdwatching in remote jungles for several reasons:
Personal Passion and Joy:
- Dr. Ali states he watched birds "chiefly for the pleasure and elation they have afforded"
- The thrill of discovery and the beauty of nature provide deep satisfaction
Scientific Curiosity:
- The desire to discover new behaviors, document rare species, and contribute to knowledge
- Making "exciting discoveries" that expand scientific understanding
Challenge and Adventure:
- The excitement of exploring unknown territories and overcoming obstacles
- The unpredictability makes each expedition unique and memorable
Escapism and Peace:
- Dr. Ali calls it "a form of escapism" that provides mental peace
- Despite hazards, it's "one of the most peaceful of pursuits"
Connection with Nature:
- Direct engagement with wildlife in natural habitats offers a profound connection to the environment
- It takes people away from modern life's stresses
Personal Achievement:
- Successfully spotting rare birds or surviving challenging situations provides a sense of accomplishment
As Dr. Ali concludes, such pursuits "hardly need justification" - the intrinsic rewards are self-evident to those who engage in them.
3. The sight of the Yellow-naped Yuhina enthralled Salim Ali that he forgot his surroundings. Narrate the incident.
The Setting: In 1945, Dr. Salim Ali was traveling along the Himalayan trail from Almora to the Lipu Lekh Pass on his way to Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailas. The location was particularly treacherous - a narrow trail with a thousand-foot vertical scarp on one side and the roaring Kali river 300 feet vertically below on the other side.
The Moment of Absorption: While the porters were pitching his tent, Dr. Ali spotted a tiny Yellow-naped Yuhina perched on top of a bush several yards away on the flanking hillside. He immediately focused his binoculars on the bird to observe it closely. When the bird hopped further up the bush, he became so engrossed in getting a better view that he took a step backward, with the binoculars still pressed to his eyes.
The Dangerous Realization: As he stepped back, Dr. Ali felt a small pebble slip from under his heel. He heard it clatter as it rolled down the hill. Even then, he was so absorbed in watching the bird that he didn't immediately realize the danger. Casually, he looked back over his shoulder to see where the pebble had gone.
The Hair-Raising Discovery: What he saw "literally made his hair stand on end." In a flash, he realized he was standing on the very edge of the cliff, with his back to the abyss. Just two more inches backward and he would have plunged 300 feet down to the Kali river below, following the rolling pebble.
The Lesson: This incident dramatically illustrates how Dr. Ali's passion for birds could completely override his awareness of danger. His absorption in observing the Yellow-naped Yuhina was so complete that he became "entirely unmindful" of where he was standing, nearly costing him his life. It's a testament both to his dedication to ornithology and to the hazards that field naturalists sometimes face - not from wild animals, but from their own single-minded focus on their subjects.
Key Themes
- Passion and Dedication: Dr. Ali's lifelong commitment to studying birds despite dangers
- Observation vs. Theory: The importance of field study over textbook knowledge
- Human-Wildlife Interactions: Understanding animal behavior and respecting wildlife
- Environmental Loss: The impact of development projects on natural habitats
- Peaceful Pursuit: Ornithology as a source of joy and tranquility
- Risk and Reward: The hazards faced by field naturalists in pursuit of knowledge
Important Literary Devices
- Irony: Birds not behaving according to textbooks; the elephant that never noticed the frightened humans
- Humor: The comical description of Baron Omar's panicked sprint
- Vivid Imagery: Detailed descriptions of dangerous landscapes and wildlife encounters
- Suspense: Building tension in both the elephant and cliff incidents
- Understatement: Describing near-death experiences in a matter-of-fact tone
Vocabulary
- Ornithology: The scientific study of birds
- Rogue: A dangerous animal that lives apart from the herd
- Tusker: A male elephant with prominent tusks
- Abyss: A deep, immeasurable space; a chasm
- Scarp: A steep slope or cliff
- Enthralled: Captivated or fascinated
- Avifauna: The bird population of a particular region
- Escapism: Mental distraction or relief from reality
- Elation: Great happiness and excitement