Story :- Amol

Illustration : Evan

It was the month of March, and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary was full of life. Arrav had visited this magical forest before, but today, something felt different. The trees were bursting with new leaves, the air was filled with the calls of birds, and the entire forest was buzzing with energy. Some trees had bright red and orange flowers. "Wow! What are those?" asked Arrav. "They're Palash trees," said the forest guide. "The flowers look like little flames. That's why it's called the Flame of the Forest!" Arrav looked closely. Each flower looked like a red parrot's beak!

"Spring is here!" Arrav whispered, adjusting his binoculars. He had come to witness something special, the great nature transformation happening all around.

As he walked along the trail, Arrav saw a pair of Indian Paradise Flycatchers . The male had long, flowing white tail feathers, and he was dancing from branch to branch, calling loudly.

“Looks like he’s celebrating the spring season!” Arrav said. The forest was full of bird songs. Bulbuls, barbets, and sunbirds were singing loudly. Birds were singing and flying through the trees. Not far away, Arrav spotted a bright yellow Indian Oriole carrying twigs. "Look at that colorful feathers!" Near the stream, a flock of wagtails and on nearby bushes flycatchers and warblers gathered, feeding hungrily on insects. These birds are winter visitors , coming from far places to rest and eat here, away from the cold weather. "They will soon leave," said a forest guide. "After months of enjoying our forests, they are getting ready for their long journey back home."

Arrav watched as some tiny warblers fluttered between the branches, chirping excitedly. He imagined them traveling across mountains, rivers, and cities on their way back. "These birds travel back to their breeding ground every year with the seasons," the guide explained. "Every year it’s the same,” said the guide. “Rain, then winter, then spring, and summer. Everything changes and starts again."

Arrav thought for a moment. "Nature has its own way of transformation, birds migrate, leaves change, rivers flow. Even tiny insects move from flower to flower, carrying pollen!" The forest guide nodded. “Humans move around too, just like the birds. We travel to find food, homes, jobs, and to learn. Everything is connected!”

As the sun set, Arrav sat by a mighty Banyan tree, watching the birds settle in for the evenining. He felt grateful for being part of this beautiful cycle.

"I'm lucky to see this great journey of nature," he said, smiling. "The birds had their adventures today. And I had mine," he said. "Tomorrow is a new day for them, for the forest, and for me too."

The wind gently blew, carrying the sounds of the birds into the darkening sky.