Teetiri protects the grassland - 29 - Guturgu asks Salonki to return

29

Guturgu asks Salonki to return

We have more and more chicks hatched each week. Many of my children and nephews and nieces have gone to neighbouring villages, Guturgu said. They will take over the other villages like we do at this one. Go back to the grassland. Talk to Teetiri and Kotwal, my good friends. They are wise. Take the help of Dominga, Phoolchuki and Darzi, Guturgu advised. Salonki wondered whether this advice was worth flying so rapidly all this way. Go back to the grassland and face Billi together? Salonki asked tiredly. I cannot go back and tell Teetiri and Kotwal that you told me to ask them to fight Billi on their own. Guturgu, my old friend, I need more advice, Salonki pleaded.

Guturgu laughed. All the pigeons standing on the roof, seeming to pay  attention to the conversation, also laughed uncertainly. They had rarely seen Guturgu in such a good mood. He was usually very angry, going around finding fault with everyone, and blaming everyone. He would scold all the young male pigeons, and threaten them that he would not allow them to become a leader among the pigeons in other villages. They seemed to be happy, Salonki thought, that Guturgu was actually laughing.

Yes, Yes, my friend, Guturgu said and added, I knew you would say that. It is always the best advice that is never found to be practical. Everybody wants practical solutions, not good solutions. You have not searched properly within the grassland to come up with your best weapon. Have you thought of all the birds in the grassland? Have you thought of those birds that know the dry grass areas and the marshy grass areas really, really, reallllllly well? Guturgu asked. Who? Salonki asked. Have you thought of that tiny small expert of the grassland, Bater[bb1] , the jungle bush quail? Guturgu asked. Go and ask Bater to help you. Go.

---

 [bb1]Bater – Jungle Bush Quail.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 30 - Salonki returns to the grassland

30

Salonki returns to the grassland

Salonki left Guturgu, puzzled and disappointed, and flew straight to Bade Miya and Chote Miya. They seemed to be arguing in very lazy voices, about the usefulness of their tails to chase away mosquitoes and flies that were hovering above them. Bade Miya wanted to use his tail to kill the insects, while Chote Miya was arguing that the tail should only be used to chase away the insects. Not to kill them. Chote Miya's opinion was that dead insects would be replaced with more and more new insects. It was better to have the number of insects that they were familiar with. Salonki perched upon Chote Miya's forehead and told them about Guturgu's advice about Bater and how the birds of the grassland need to protect the marsh by themselves. Bade Miya snorted immediately and said, what use is that advise? How can Bater help? He is a tiddly-piddly-widly small little scared ghost of a bird. He is frightened of the slightest movement of grass. Maybe the sight of his cousin jungle bush-quail would also frighten him. How can he help?

Chote Miya snorted angrily and told Salonki, O friend, do not get taken in by Bade Miya's words. He is more frightened of Billi or the village dogs than he would care to admit. He is of no use and his advise is also of no use. Do not misunderstand Guturgu, Chote Miya said. Guturgu is very wise, and usually knows what he is talking about. If he means that you have the strength in you to fight Billi, then Guturgu is correct. If Guturgu asks you to take Bater's help, then do it. Go and take Bater's help to fight Billi.

Puzzled at the strange advice from Guturgu being confirmed by Bade Miya and Chote Miya, Salonki flew back to the grassland. She flew nonstop to the lone babool stem near the marsh and perched on it to take some rest. Teetiri did not seem to be nearby. Kotwal could be seen perched on a high branch on the babool tree. All the other mynas were now settling down in the babool tree, some chattering, some flying back and forth from the river at the edge of the grassland. The farmers had returned on their bullock carts, filled with the foodgrain that they had harvested today. There must be a lot of spilled grain along the river edge where the carts had crossed over, Salonki thought. She could see mynas, doves, pigeons and sparrows feeding rapidly at the river-edge. There were a lot of birds flying about behind the bullock carts and in the cropfields beyond the river. 

Salonki called out to Kotwal and Teetiri. Hearing Salonki, Kotwal flew down immediately from his perch, while Teetiri was not to be seen. She must have gone back to the nest, Kotwal said. She is not here? She is not here? asked a worried Salonki. We need Teetiri. Guturgu gave some useless advice. We need Teetiri, Salonki gasped. Calm down, calm down, Kotwal said. We will get Teetiri back. Let us wait till she comes back from the nest. No, No, No, said Salonki and added, we will need to search for Teetiraa to return to the nest so that Teetiri can come back to help plan against Billi. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 31 - Salonki tells the story about Guturgu

31

Salonki tells the story about Guturgu

Salonki told Kotwal the entire story about Guturgu and Bade Miya and Chote Miya. Upon hearing about Guturgu's confusing advice, Kotwal agreed with Salonki that Teetiri should be part of the plan to chase Billi away from the marsh. He said that he would search for Bater while Salonki should go to talk to her partner and relatives at the babool tree. It was a wonder that Billi had not already run away from the marsh while listening to the mynas chattering away non-stop and so loudly. Kotwal did not agree with Salonki that Teetiraa had to be called back to take Teetiri's place at the nest. Let us search for Bater first, offered Kotwal. He may perhaps know more about tackling Billi than we may know. Who knows? Kotwal shrugged.

Kotwal flew off across the grassland in search of Bater. He flew up high, trying to decide which area should be searched first. He could see Teetiraa hunting for insects near the river’s edge. He went up to the river and perched on an arjuna tree. There was Bulbul, moving around inside the arjuna tree branches. Phoolchuki's cousins were arguing nearby. Teetiraa seemed to be talking to some of his cousins from across the river. He could hear Teetiraa calling out to his cousins with short abrupt calls and their replies in a similar manner.

The sparrows were also enjoying themselves here, feeding on the fallen foodgrain and drinking at the various small puddles near the river, and getting themselves wet. Bater was not to be seen. How does one search for Bater? How could he search for Bater? He knew that the jungle bush quail was a very nervous bird, very protective of its children, rushing off in a great hurry, always seeming to go somewhere urgently. He had not seen Bater stop to chat with anyone. He had not heard any gossip about Bater. So how did he go about in the grassland without any other bird actually knowing about him and his family?

This would not do, thought Kotwal. He needed help.  He could not go about alone trying to search for the jungle bush quail in the grassland. He had to take help from his family. Even if he did not like to depend upon his family, he would have to go and ask them to help him search for Bater. He flew back and forth across the river, searching on both the banks. He knew that his father loved to sit in the shade of the arjuna trees and hunt for insects flying above the dry river bed. It seemed like a good day to meet up with his father, thought Kotwal, watching the numerous insects flying about. He could see at least four other black drongos flying out of a large arjuna tree and catching an insect each on every attempt. That was probably the spot where he would be able to catch up with his father, he thought. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 32 - Kotwal meets his family

32

Kotwal meets his family

He was correct. His father was indeed there, along with Kotwal's two brothers, one sister, one aunt and her two sons. They seemed to be in a very serious meeting insde the very shady branches of the arjuna tree along the river bank that faced the grassland. They seemed happy to see him, he thought. His two cousins and his aunt did not seem to be so happy. They must have again come to seek his father's permission to hunt for insects in the grassland, he thought. His father would never permit it, he knew, for it was given to Kotwal and two of his sisters only. His father had given him strict instructions that he would have to be careful not to invite other black drongos for otherwise he would not get enough insects to catch.

Kotwal’s elder brother welcomed him by raising his crest and fluffing himself, while his sister fluttered her wings in appreciation of how well he looked. The discussion was about locating the best trees to build their nests during this approaching season, Kotwal’s father told him. It seemed like this year’s choice was between the arjuna and the banyan trees. These trees would withstand the severe summer that would surely hit the region this year. The climate seemed to be getting bad and bad each year. The days were getting hotter each year, while the summer, winter and the monsoon was longer. Every aspect of the climate was getting to be too much each year, Kotwal’s father told all his children. Kotwal and his brothers and sister nodded respectfully.

This was the problem with meeting his family, Kotwal thought. His father had to lecture them and instruct them. He seemed to think that Kotwal and the other children did not know how to live like black drongos. Someday he would tell his father about his own adventures in the grassland, and of how all the birds lived together. But Kotwal’s father seemed to think that the grassland was not able to feed more than two or three black drongos. Once Kotwal had got used to the grassland, he did not wish to hunt for insects near the river banks or in the village. His sister had also begun to like to hunt for insects among the bushes between the grassland and the scrub forest. She hated going to the village or to the river banks.

Kotwal interrupted his father the moment he paused in his lecture. I need your help, and I need it urgently, Kotwal told his father. Before his father could answer with another lecture, Kotwal told everything about Billi, about Teetiri and Salonki, about Salonki’s family in the babool tree chattering nonstop, and about Guturgu’s advice. He now had to search for Bater urgently. It seemed to be the only option left for the birds to be able to protect the grassland. Billi should not be able to hide out in the marsh tonight. If he would do that comfortably, even for a single night, he would return to the marsh regularly and it would not be a safe place anymore. Only Kotwal’s father could help them out at this moment, Kotwal said. And as Kotwal had hoped, his father took charge of the situation. He immediately began to lecture to Kotwal and his brothers and sister on how to search for Bater.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 33 - A plan to search for Bater

33

A plan to search for Bater

Bater was excellent in hiding in the grassland, Kotwal’s father said. You could spend the entire season in the grassland without seeing Bater or any of his relatives. You cannot search for Bater, he said. You have to wait for Bater to show himself. The drongo family sat together to plan the strategy to spot Bater in the grassland. First, all the drongos, Kotwal’s family included, would fly out of the trees along the river-banks, and perch on high tree branches that overlooked every path and trail in the grassland. Second, Kotwal would have to go and ask Salonki for help. Salonki would have to get all the mynas to disturb the grassland wherever there were rocks and tall grass. They would have to move around the tall grass areas among the rocks and chatter loudly to disturb Bater and his family.

Having agreed on this, the drongos flew out of the tall arjuna trees along the river-banks to the grassland and began to choose perches on the branches of all the tall trees. From up here, they could spot movement on any path or trail in the grassland. The drongos were good at spotting the tiniest of insects flitting about and would be able to pinpoint any movement in the grassland. Kotwal flew over to the babool tree to meet Salonki. He explained the strategy to Salonki who immediately called out to her family to stop chattering. Once silence was achieved, and instructions passed on, Salonki asked her family to break up into small flocks and spread out among the rocks in the tall grass.

The mynas spread out as told by Salonki. Eight to ten mynas in each flock sat on the rocks and began to chatter loudly. Hundreds of mynas started walking around, jumping up and down the rocks, running after insects and pecking at the wandering red crabs that seemed to be lost away from the water. With all the mynas moving around, the grassland suddenly seemed like a small place, after all. The drongos could immediately see the effect on the grassland. There was a confused looking Dominga, an angry Phoolchuki and a disgusted Darzi flying up from their nests, upset at the peace of the grassland being disturbed in this manner. Kotwal’s father spotted Naag rushing away to hide inside a hole next to some rocks, while Dhaman could be seen hurrying away to another hole. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 34 - The grassland is busy with birds

34

The grassland is busy with birds

Shikra and Shaheen flew out of their hiding places, disgusted at this widespread disturbance. Both birds of prey flew across the river to go and perhaps search for some other grassland. But there did not seem to be any sight of Bater and his family. Kotwal’s father flew down to Salonki and asked her to send some mynas to a distant bunch of rocks and tall grass. Salonki flew towards her sister’s group of twelve mynas who were busy gossiping about the good nesting spots in the old bungalow inside the forest. Salonki’s sister was explaining that the bungalow was not in a good condition, without anyone living in it, and had begun to break apart. It was a good spot to choose for several nests this season. It would also stay cool during the summer.

Salonki asked her sister and her group of mynas to go and continue with their gossip at the distant bunch of rocks and tall grass. The small flock of mynas went to the spot as directed and continued with their conversation about the bungalow in the forest. Salonki could still hear her sister explaining all the good nesting qualities that the damaged house seemed to possess. They needed new nesting spots, undisturbed ones, that would provide security and peace for the new flocks of mynas. The village indeed had been able to give them good nesting spots, but Guturgu and the blue rock pigeons had taken over all the nesting spots that the mynas had. The house crows were in control of the trees and their nesting spots near the village.

Salonki’s sister and her flock were busy making plans to shift to the bungalow in the forest for the coming breeding season. But all the conversation was what was helpful, thought Kotwal to himself. Teetiri was intelligent. She knew that all the mynas loved to chatter. And that the chatter was going to be helpful in disturbing Billi and now to search for Bater.  Meanwhile, Kotwal’s father accompanied by Salonki, flew to a tall tree near Salonki’s sister and her flock of mynas. The chatter was good, and it would disturb anybody who lived in this patch of the grassland.

Sure enough, from among the rocks, out came Naag’s sister, followed by two scorpions and some grasshoppers. Those grasshoppers looked tasty, thought Kotwal’s father and decided to go after them. He quickly asked Salonki to tell Kotwal to come over to this area to search for Bater, and flew after the grasshoppers. Angry but helpless at this instinctive gesture by Kotwal’s father, Salonki flew off to ask Kotwal to come over to join up with her to search for Bater. Kotwal’s father, in the meantime, kept darting in and out of the bushes, intent upon catching the grasshoppers. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 35 - Kotwal’s father spots Bater

35

Kotwal’s father spots Bater

Kotwal decided that he would perch on the highest Babool branch in this part of the grassland in order to search for Bater and at the same time, to be able to keep an eye on his father. Salonki went off to sit on the rocks nearby. Both the birds waited patiently. Kotwal’s father seemed to have caught a grasshopper and was searching for a bush to perch upon. Not finding one nearby, he jumped on to some low-lying rocks. The grasshopper jumped out of his beak and went inside the nearby grass, followed by Kotwal’s father. The commotion soon led to some movement in the grass. Two tailor birds flew out of the bushes nearby, followed by an Indian Robin and his family. He began to fly low and circle around some clumps of grass.

And suddenly, Kotwal’s father began to signal towards the path covered by Kotwal, perched high up in the Babool tree. .

Kotwal and all his brothers and sisters had been watching their father with embarrassment. Imagine, darting off to catch grasshoppers when they had such an important task on their wings. But they also knew and respected their father. They could immediately understand that there was some reason for their father to begin to signal towards the path in the grassland. Perhaps, it was Bater. Kotwal and his brothers and sister flew down to cover all the bushes and perched on the branches. It is Bater, I am sure, It is Bater, I am sure, Kotwal’s father said repeatedly. See, only an experienced old bird knows the secrets of the grassland, he said. But where was Bater, Kotwal asked.

He will not come out, Kotwal’s father replied, he is shy. I know him well. You will need to persuade him to show himself. Kotwal called out to Bater. There was no response. All the drongos, one after the other, called out without success. Kotwal began to suspect that his father was perhaps fooling them all to make up for having shown off his greed to catch the tasty grasshopper. Kotwal’s father began to circle slowly, flying low over the grass clumps near the babool bushes. Suddenly he swooped down and sat on a low rock, watching what seemed like grass, rocks and pebbles. There, you can see him now. Bater and his family, hiding among the rocks, grass and pebbles.

Salonki, Phoolchuki and Darzi came over to the spot. Salonki sat on a low babool branch and called out to Bater. On another low neem tree, Phoolchuki sat and called out to Bater. All the drongos had circled the patch and were keeping a watch for any unseen predators. Bater may be worried about predators, since the grassland had been disturbed, so extensively, thought Kotwal. There are no predators nearby, and we want to talk to you and ask your help, Kotwal called out to Bater. Hearing the assurance, the grass parted, and Bater came out very hesitantly. The rest of his family was still hidden inside the grass. Do not worry, Darzi said. We need your help. All the birds of the grassland need to get rid of a new enemy in the grassland. Guturgu asked Teetiri to seek your help and Teetiri needs you desperately, Kotwal said.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 36 - Teetiri takes charge of all the birds to fight the enemies in the grassland

36

Teetiri takes charge of all the birds to fight the enemies in the grassland

At the mention of Guturgu and Teetiri, Bater gathered courage and stepped out in the open. The other jungle bush quail were not to be seen. Possibly, Bater had asked them to stay hidden in the grass. Used to sitting out in in the open, Kotwal found all this secrecy to be quite silly. But to each bird, its own recipe for survival, Kotwal's father had once advised him. Never question other birds about their techniques and methods, he had been told. And most importantly, as Kotwal's mother had added,  never tease other birds about their methods.

Why was all this racket disturbing the grassland, Bater asked Kotwal. And why was Salonki and all the mynas moving around the peaceful and quiet grassland?  Why did Guturgu and Teetiri want his help? Was it to chase away Salonki and the mynas? Did she lose her eggs once again? Bater shot the questions in rapid-fire mode. Phoolchuki and Darzi were taken aback by Bater's anger. The jungle bush quail did not look like it had such courage. Phoolchuki had never thought of questioning Kotwal. Darzi always tried to avoid talking to Kotwal. The drongos were known to chase away Shikra, Shaheen or Kaawla Chacha. And here was the timid and shy Bater, posing questions to the dozen to Kotwal.

Kotwal did not lose his cool at the questions. He had once seen Bater argue with Teetiri on the wisdom of choosing good nesting spots on the ground. Both were ground-nesting birds, and while Teetiri tried to nest in the open, Bater built her nest in a quiet, hidden and secretive spot inside clumps of grass or inside bushes and amidst rocks. But unlike Teetiri, Bater was never to be seen out in the open grassland. It was strange indeed, thought Kotwal, that secretive nesters were also secretive, while open ground nesting birds somehow were very confident that their nests would not be seen.

Bater was secretive and shy, no doubt, but confident also. Perhaps that’s why Guturgu and Teetiri had so much faith in the jungle bush quail. Perhaps Kotwal did not know all there was to know from his high perch in the trees. Perhaps ground-nesting birds knew more about other ground-nesting birds. Kotwal flew down to perch on a tiny rock near Bater and began to tell him the entire story of Billi hiding in the marsh. Phoolchuki, Darzi, Bulbul and Salonki were perched on nearby branches. Kotwal’s father and the other drongos kept guard from all the high branches nearby while Salonki’s cousins kept their loud chatter going on nearby.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 37 - Bater does not want Billi in the grassland

37

Bater does not want Billi in the grassland

Bater immediately agreed with all the birds of the grassland that Billi had to be chased out of the marsh. It was an important part of the grassland. The birds needed the marsh. Even the jungle bush quail depended upon the marsh for its water during summer. But, how could the birds do it? Bater asked. Salonki intervened and spoke of her trip to the village. She spoke of her meeting with Bade Miya and Chote Miya and of her audience with Guturgu. Phoolchuki, Darzi and Bulbul listened in awe at Salonki’s description about Guturgu and his way of life.

Salonki spoke about Guturgu’s confidence that Bater would be the most important bird in the grassland to get rid of Billi. Teetiri had also immediately agreed to the suggestion. Frankly, Salonki said, she was still to comprehend how Bater could help, but that was the only option that was suggested to them. The other option was to wait for Bade Miya, the short ox, to chase Billi tomorrow. But, Teetiri had warned against allowing Bater to stay overnight peacefully in the marsh. So now, all the birds of the grassland were waiting for Bater to show some magic and chase Billi out of the marsh. Bater was amazed that Guturgu had proposed him.

So where was Teetiri? Bater asked Kotwal. Why was she not here along with Phoolchuki, Darzi, Bulbul, Salonki and the drongos? And where was Guturgu? Kotwal looked around at the other birds for help. It was Bulbul who helped out at the crucial moment. Teetiri was at her nest, while Teetiraa was at the riverbank, feeding for himself. Surely you would understand that, Bulbul added, you cannot risk leaving your nest, no matter what the problem. Phoolchuki took up the task, and said, you would have to go across the grassland, to meet Teetiri near the marsh. By the time we reach the spot, Teetiraa would have taken over at the nest and Teetiri would be free to guide the birds to protect the grassland.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 38 - Kotwal and his family assure Bater’s safety

38

Kotwal and his family assure Bater’s safety

I have to go up to the marsh to meet Teetiri? Bater asked. Why can’t Teetiri come here? How would I go all the way to the marsh? How can I leave my family behind in this corner of the grassland? With the racket that the mynas are creating and disturbing the grassland, my family can get exposed to predators without my presence. Hearing all these doubts and questions after questions, Kotwal’s father interrupted Bater and said, do not worry, my old friend, I will ensure that you reach the marsh safely. All my sons, daughters, brothers, nephews and nieces, all the drongos from the grassland, river banks, fruit orchards and the village, are here today. We will cover all the high branches along the way and keep a watch out. You can safely take your entire family with you.

Kotwal never had felt prouder of his father than at that moment. Trust his father to ramble along and hit it right each time. He chased after the grasshopper and found Bater. He got tired of Bater’s questions and found out a method to end the spate of questions. He went up to his father to consult him about moving all the drongos along the path to the marsh. Kotwal’s father chose the tallest tree for himself and refused to discuss the strategy with Kotwal. Bater is a courageous and timid bird, and he only needs to be encouraged that he would not be in danger. Let us all make a show of spreading around the grassland and end this torture of unending questions from that tiny tiresome character, Kotwal’s father said.

Kotwal smiled to himself. His father would never change, he thought. He called out to his brothers, sisters and cousins to spread out on to the highest branches of the trees in the grassland to keep watch for predators. For all his courage mixed with secretive behaviour, Bater really knew how to assert himself when the need arose, Kotwal thought. The drongos moved away from the rocky patch and grass clumps and took their guardposts. Kotwal informed Bater about the movement and the well-spread air cover that the drongos would provide across the grassland. Now Bater could move straight across the grassland to the marsh where Teetiri would be waiting. Bater could also take his family with him without fear. Normally that was a distance that Bater would take about two days to cover slowly, foraging here and there. But today, Bater could take his family along an open track, without stops and reach the marsh without fear.

Bater hesitated. He was as yet unsure if he could take the risk of moving out in the open, with his family, and run straight across the open grassland. Kotwal felt very tired, having had to keep answering Bater and negotiate with the other drongos, positioning them all across the grassland. After all this, Bater was still unsure and afraid. Salonki came to the rescue, having felt that Kotwal may give up at this moment. She informed Bater that the mynas would also begin to move back to the marsh and will keep flying above the grassland. All that movement would confuse any predator, and Bater would not have to worry. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 39 - Bater travels across the grassland

39

Bater travels across the grassland

Having got Bater to agree to the plan, Salonki went about gathering all the mynas and asked them to also fly back to the babool tree near the marsh. Kotwal asked Phoolchuki, Dominga, Darzi and Salonki to return with him, flying directly above Bater, so that they would be sure of the safety of the jungle bush quail. Soon there was this large movement of birds flying about in the grassland, with more than a hundred mynas returning to the babool tree. Dominga, Phoolchuki, Darzi, and Salonki also flew back to the edge of the marsh, along with Kotwal. Salonki flew down to Bater and asked the jungle bush quail to stop a little distance away from the marsh. Kotwal and Phoolchuki flew down to meet Teetiri.

Teetiri was waiting for them at the lone babool stem. Teetiraa had gone to take over at the nest.  Teetiri did not know what was happening since Salonki had left for the village. Kotwal explained the situation to her, right from Salonki’s meetings with Bade Miya, Chote Miya and Guturgu, to the search for Bater and the help from all the drongos. Kotwal also spoke about how Salonki and her cousins took over the grassland, made it impossible for predators and non-predators to live peacefully in the habitat. Teetiri smiled at that, because she had noticed the movement of mynas and drongos from her nest. She had wondered as to what was happening, but she could not leave her nest. Kotwal then spoke about Bater, his fears, and of how the drongos and mynas provided air cover to the jungle bush quail’s rapid run across the grassland.

But what was to be done about Bater? Salonki asked. We searched for Bater, merely because Guturgu asked us to, Teetiri replied,  but we were not told about what Bater has to do against Billi. What can Bater or the other jungle bush quail do against larger, much larger, and dangerous cats? Can Bater go and frighten Billi off the marsh? He was frightened to cross the grassland. Phoolchuki also added her own question, Yes, how can Bater fight Billi? Darzi and Bulbul nodded their beaks in agreement to Phoolchuki’s question. Salonki seemed to get very agitated that everybody agreed with her about Bater’s uselessness at this time of crisis in the grassland. And Bater was the only option that they seemed to have.

Yes, yes, Bater is such a frightened and panicky bird, Kotwal said. And very good at asking questions. He kept on asking me questions. He may be timid, secretive and looks like he is very frightened. But he is very courageous in protecting himself. He knows how to protect his family and does that no matter what, Kotwal added. That is all very good, but how can Bater fight Billi, Darzi asked. A worried Teetiri asked Salonki if Guturgu had given any indication of what Bater has to do in this fight? Salonki merely shook her head sideways. Guturgu said that we should solve our problems ourselves, we should act together, we should be united, the grassland belongs to all the birds and something about being able to fight together, etcetra etcetra, Salonki said. But he did not explain what Bater could do about it. We are supposed to think it out ourselves, perhaps. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 40 - The birds call out to Bater and welcome him

40

The birds call out to Bater and welcome him

Kotwal’s father came to join the conversation. Better bring in Bater while he still has the courage to face up to Billi, he said and added, for otherwise, the jungle bush quail may disappear once again inside the grassland. Kotwal agreed, as also Teetiri, Darzi, Dominga, Phoolchuki, Salonki and Bulbul. Dominga called out to Bater, in a low whistle. Hearing it, Bater came out of the nearby grass clumps, alone, and stood in front of Teetiri. Kotwal and his family moved to the nearby tree tops to keep watch against any other predators. The drongos were worried that Shikra and Shaheen would decide to return suddenly to the grassland. Both Shikra and Shaheen would love to hunt Bater and his family.

Teetiri said hello to Bater and welcomed him inside the circle of birds that were in discussion. Bater came and stood very close to Teetiri. He seemed so frightened, Teetiri thought to herself. Bater asked Teetiri, What do you want me to do in a fight against Billi? I have heard that he is a very dangerous animal. Did Guturgu think that I could fight him? Teetiri looked at Bater in a worried manner. Yes, my friend, Guturgu did mention that you are the only hope for the grassland. We have to protect the grassland from animals like Billi. The peace and security of the grassland would be lost forever.

But how do we fight Billi? What can I do? Bater asked. And, what would happen to my family if something were to happen to me in the fight with Billi. My family of jungle bush quail depends upon me entirely. Where are they? Teetiri asked. Are they still at the edge of the grassland with the fruit orchard? Did you not bring them with you? Bater replied that his family was hidden nearby but he would call them out to meet all the other birds. He gave a small abrupt call, almost unlike a typical call of the jungle bush quail. Hearing Bater’s call, the jungle bush quail came out, one by one, in a straight line, and grouped themselves, with their backs to each other, in a very tight circle.

There were twelve jungle bush quail, including Bater,  standing together in a circle. They were all looking extremely frightened. Two or three of them were actually shivering. Bater went around them, reassuring them to be calm, and that they were among friends. He asked them to relax and come out of the circle. Only one other jungle bush quail broke the circle that they had formed, and came out to stand alongside Bater. Proudly, Bater introduced him to Teetiri as his son. But the other jungle bush quail kept standing with their backs to each other, in a circle, so that each one of them could cover all the directions. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 41 - Bater and his family are not frightened

41

Bater and his family are not frightened

Teetiri smiled at Bater’s son and remarked how brave he was, to step out of the circle and show his courage like his father. Phoolchuki added her bit, by saying how Bater and his family were the most courageous of all the birds and how only they could save the grassland. Bater also looked very proud and hugged his son, and agreed with Teetiri about wanting to save the grassland. Kotwal was amazed, and said, Wow, you mean you will agree to do whatever it is that would need to be done? You are not frightened? You do not even know how you would fight with Billi. How can you be so brave?

I have to be brave, replied Bater, for I am required to save my habitat. This is my grassland as much as it is yours. You are all so concerned, Teetiri, Phoolchuki, Salonki, Chimini, Darzi, Bulbul, Kotwal and Dominga. How can I not gather courage to fight? I want to first indicate my intention to be ready to fight. Once I am convinced that my course of action would be to fight Billi, I can be happy to agree with whatever plan that Teetiri will make. After all, Teetiri is the only bird in the grassland from amongst all of us who is required to have the most complex survival strategy. Look at all the calling and signalling that Teetiri and Teetiraa have worked out between the two of them.

All the birds looked at Teetiri with a new respect. Yes, they had never realised the fact that Teetiri had to have a very complex survival strategy in the grassland. Most birds built their nests depending upon its efficient design and built their strategies around it, while Teetiri had to hide her nest without building it. Teetiri and Teetiraa indeed had a complex signalling strategy, a different strategy to approach the nest, and another one to leave it, another strategy to use while sitting at the nest, and another to use while feeding nearby. Wow. They had seen it all happen in front of them, but had never realised the magic of it all.

Kotwal looked at Bater with more and more respect. Kotwal’s father nodded his head up and down in appreciation of what Bater had just pointed out. Dominga let out a very melodious appreciative whistle. Bulbul began singing in agreement. But, as Teetiri thought to herself, for all the bravado that Bater seemed to show, he continued to look frightened, as did his entire family. What could they do? Teetiri wondered. They looked so frightened. They did not stay still, always hesitant, looking all around them, worried, panicky and kept turning around to look at all sides. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 42 - Teetiri needed a good plan

42

Teetiri needed a good plan

What could Bater and his family do? How could they help? They could not even frighten Darzi or Phoolchuki. How could they fight Billi? Teetiri thought angrily to herself. She needed a plan, a perfect plan and Bater had to somehow figure in it. Whatever it may be, Billi had to be chased out of the marsh. Kotwal asked Teetiri, well, you seem to be the leader now, my good friend. Do we have a plan that includes Bater? Are all of us going to figure in it? We could have all the mynas, sparrows and drongos just fly in together and dive to hit Billi in the marsh. He may get frightened and run away if we did that suddenly, screeching and screaming.

Even as he was speaking, Kotwal’s father was shaking his head in disagreement. No, No, that would not do. Where do you come up with a plan like this? That is not a plan. That is disaster. No doubt you would alarm Billi, but even a single swipe of his paws could kill three or four sparrows or at least two mynas. What if your own brother or sister were to be killed? Did you think about that? You cannot go to war without being sure that you would not loose one of your own. A leader does not send in his warriors without being sure of winning the battle. Without being sure that he would not loose his warriors. A leader has to be in the war, leading from the front. Not hiding in a crowd.

Phoolchuki, Darzi and Bulbul nodded together in agreement. Salonki and Chimini also nodded and said, yes, we cannot risk any of our brothers, sisters or cousins being killed in the attack. We thought that the purpose of chasing Billi away from the marsh was to prevent our family members from being killed. We need a plan, Kotwal’s sister said, that does not place us in danger from Billi. Hearing his own sister turn on him in this manner, Kotwal turned to Teetiri and said, my good friend, there you have it. Now you are also part of the action. The plan requires only you and Bater. And you have to be ahead of Bater. So how are you going to go about it?

Teetiri - the redwattled lapwing was now the leader

of the birds of the grassland according to Kotwal

[Photograph by Saleel Tambe]

Teetiri was now completely confused. So she was to also figure in the plan. When did she become the leader? She certainly did not recollect any sort of consensus before this day indicating that she was the leader of the birds of the grassland. And now, in this time of crisis, when she felt she had to take the initiative, every bird turns around and makes her the leader. How could she be certain that any action against Billi would not put other birds at danger of loosing their lives? How did she end up with this problem? It was Salonki who had brought this idea of getting Bater to be part of the plan. Did Guturgu do this to tease Salonki? 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 43 - How could Bater fight Billi?

43

How could Bater fight Billi?

But, Guturgu was a wise bird. He knew what he was talking about. He must have thought about it and must have felt that this was the best option. But, why did Guturgu choose the most frightened bird? Would not Bater get frightened when he actually stood in front of Billi? The mere sight of Billi in the grassland had left Salonki thinking about all her sad memories. And what would she do in the plan? How, how, how, how, how could Bater fight Billi?

Bater most certainly would not go anywhere without his family, thought Teetiri. So Bater’s family would also need to be included in the plan. Whatever plan it was, it now included Bater, all the jungle bush quail and Teetiri. There had to be a solution somewhere. She could include Salonki and her cousins, Kotwal and his family, perhaps Dominga and Darzi. Not Bulbul certainly. He could not hide any secret. Also Chimini. She could not be trusted with secrets. But the plan had to revolve around Bater. And she had to be seen to lead it. She could not hide somewhere and send Bater into the marshy waters to fight Billi. What to do, whattodo, whattodowhattodo, thought Teetiri to herself.

She looked at Bater and his family, again and again. Just look at them, standing there, like an easy target, so naïve looking, so identical, thought Teetiri. Who was that jungle bush quail wandering about, seemingly more confident than the others? Was that not Bater’s son? Now the jungle bush quail were no longer standing in a circle. They seemed to have got over their fright and were moving about within the circle of all the birds gathered there. Perhaps Bater’s son could be sent in to fight Billi. He seemed more courageous than Bater himself. But which one was Bater’s son? They looked all the same, exactly identical. They also seemed equally frightened. And suddenly, Teetiri realised that was the answer. That, that, THAT, THAT, THAT was the answer, Teetiri thought excitedly. Definitely. What an idea. She jumped up and down, flapped her wings, and began to laugh at the simple idea that she had got. Guturgu was smart.

The other birds looked at her in a puzzled manner. Had she gone mad, Darzi wondered. Bater was getting more and more frightened. Teetiri, my friend, have you gone crazy, asked Kotwal? No, no, Teetiri replied, and added, I have only now begun to understand what Guturgu must have wanted us to do. Look at Bater and his family, Teetiri continued to explain to the other birds, they are always looking so frightened. But inspite of their fears, they have agreed to help us. They do not even know what they are getting into. But they are ready to help. They are ready to help, just because we need their help and because they love their grassland. And here we are, each one of us, skilled in one way or the other, experts in fighting Naag and Dhaman, experts in fooling Lombdi and Shikra, and now we are frightened of one single Billi. But it is Bater’s fright and nervousness that will be our best weapon to fight Billi, said Teetiri.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 44 - Teetiri decides on the plan to fight Billi

44

Teetiri decides on the plan to fight Billi

Teetiri quickly outlined her plan to fight Billi. It would require the participation of all the birds of the grassland. Each one would have a separate role to remove Billi from the marsh. First, she called Bater aside and told him about his and his family’s role in the plan. Next, Kotwal was told to bring together his family and explain to them about their part of the strategy. The plan would require excellent coordination between Kotwal and the drongos and Bater and the jungle bush quail. Teetiri would lead the attack like the leader that she was just elected to be.

Next, came the role of the lone birds, Darzi, Phoolchuki and Bulbul. Darzi was asked to go with Phoolchuki and play their roles exactly as Teetiri had told them to. After the lone birds, it was the responsibility of the large flocks, namely the mynas and the sparrows. Salonki was asked to explain to her family of more than a hundred mynas about their role. Chimini had come back from the cropfields with her large family of sixty-seven sparrows. They were also given a role in this plan. All the birds of the grassland went about to begin the war against Billi. Except Bulbul.

Bulbul sat on a low babool branch that swung low over the marsh. He had not been told about the entire plan. He was only told that his role would be to sit on the low babool branch and keep watching Billi. That was to be his entire role. Teetiri had worried that he would perhaps not be able to keep it as a secret. But because of his location, Bulbul saw the entire war happen out there that day in the grassland. He went back to tell other bulbuls in the village of what he saw, and how the birds defeated Billi and chased him away from the grassland. The bulbuls later told the story to Bade Miya and Chote Miya. Bade Miya told the story to Kaawla Chacha while Chote Miya excitedly added some unrelated parts while telling the story to Guturgu. The “War of the Marsh Waters”, as it came to be known was later told by Bade Miya, Guturgu, Kaawla Chacha and Bulbul to several other birds and animals. It became known as a famous war, and the story is still being told out there in the grassland. Here is how it happened.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 45 - The War of the Marsh Waters

45

The War of the Marsh Waters

Billi sat there, hiding in the marsh grasses, waiting for some really fat birds to show up. He had got injured in a fight with the village dogs, and had decided to hide outside the village for the day. Billi planned to catch some food that he usually was not able to taste in the village. He had heard Naag tell his wife and children that the marsh was a good spot to catch unsuspecting birds. He had come very eagerly to hide out in the marsh and try his luck in catching some fat birds. His plan was to hide in the grasses surrounding the marsh and pounce upon birds who were not expecting him to attack them.

Billi suspected that his luck may not be good on this day. Strangely, there had been no birds visiting the marsh through the day. There was only that absolutely irritating flock of more than hundred mynas, who had been chattering throughout the day. Not the entire day actually, for about an hour there had been peace and silence near the marsh. The mynas had gone away and seemed to have spread out all over the grassland. It seemed like some strange ritual among the birds in the grassland. They seemed to have gone crazy all over the grassland. Why did they not repeat that crazy behaviour in the marsh? He could have had his pick of the birds, and decide which ones to catch and which ones not to.

The peace was gone once again over the past five minutes. The mynas were back at the babool tree chattering again. They seemed to be spread all around the marsh, some on the trees, while some were feeding on the ground. He could not run after them all over the grassland with his injured leg. If only some of these silly birds would enter the marsh, his stomach would then stop growling. He needed some food, needed it urgently. As if in answer to his prayers, the grasses in front of him parted very hesitantly, and a jungle bush quail stepped out, very nervously.

Not realising that the birds had begun a war against him, Billi looked happily now at the sudden appearance of Bater in front of him. The mynas were chattering away, while a drongo perched on the topmost babool branch, was calling out in a low unfamiliar syllable. This was most unlike the usual calls of the drongo. A bulbul sat on a low perch, silent, watching him and Bater. Billi looked once again at Bater. This jungle bush quail looked very silly, standing there frightened, lost and nervous. This bird could be easily caught, Billi thought. He looked around once again, at the chattering mynas, at the drongo sitting up very high, at the bulbul nearby, and felt that there was no harm in trying to catch the jungle bush quail. He could not keep waiting for more birds to come inside the marsh. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 46 - Billi attacks Bater and attacks and attacks

46

Billi attacks Bater and attacks and attacks

Billi crouched low and waited. Bater stepped out of the grass clump, walked about four steps in front, towards Billi. The drongo continued to call out in single syllables. The bulbul continued to sit quietly. Billi waited, hoping that Bater would take at least two more steps. Bater seemed to have different ideas. He retreated three steps. Bater stood quietly, and moved forward once again, and stood still further than he had come before. This is probably the best chance he could get today, thought Billi, and jumped up, hungry, forgetting his injured leg. At the very moment, the drongo called in a long screech, and Bater disappeared back inside the grass, just as Billi pounced on the spot, barely a microsecond later.

Kotwal - the black drongo - gave a warning call to Bater

Billi was worried that Kotwal was helping Bater to escape.

[Photograph - Govinda Swami]

Billi landed on the spot with a thud, and raised his paws hoping that he had caught the jungle bush quail. But there seemed to be no such luck. Bater was gone. Bulbul now seemed to be looking at Billi very intently, wondering what had happened just now. The drongo in the high branch continued to call out in short and single syllables. Confused, Billi looked around. There, that Bater was back, standing scared. But only this time, he seemed to be about four feet away. How did he move so fast? Billi wondered. The jungle bush quail seemed to be absolutely unconcerned that Billi had just then pounced on him. He seemed to be going around, excitedly at a small rock, pecking at something nearby. It must be an insect, Billi thought. How greedy can this jungle bush quail be? He had just then been attacked by Billi, and here he was, standing there, absolutely unconcerned, feeding on insects.

The jungle bush quail was not moving away from the rock, pecking repeatedly at the ground. Billi crouched again, and crawled nearer. Once again, Billi looked around, at the mynas, at the drongo and at Bulbul. There did not seem to be any other bird or animal visible nearby. The jungle bush quail was coming closer, and would again be near reach for a successful lunge by Billi. Crouching again, Billi covered two feet and jumped the other two feet.  Landing heavily on the ground, Billi checked out his paws, and realised that he had once again failed to catch the jungle bush quail. He was almost certain that the drongo had not called out, but could not be sure. But, the bulbul certainly seemed to be smiling at Billi’s failure. Was he laughing at Billi’s problems? Billi wondered. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 47 - Bater escapes from Billi and escapes and escapes

47

Bater escapes from Billi and escapes and escapes

Bulbul was actually chuckling because Billi had failed to catch the jungle bush quail on each lunge. He had heard Kotwal change his warning call to a melodious note just before Billi had jumped. Bulbul was not sure that Billi had not understood the change in the tone of the warning call. But even Bulbul was not certain that he knew the entire plan. How had Bater managed to escape Billi’s lunge and move four feet away, and so fast? Such a nervous and frightened bird, but the jungle bush quail had jumped away with confidence at the very right moment. Was Billi presuming that Bater would be an easy bird to hunt down because he looked so frightened and nervous?

Billi looked around, wondering how Bater had managed to escape him twice. Was that drongo warning off the jungle bush quail? Did the drongo think that Billi was a dumb animal? He looked around to see if the drongo was perched at the topmost branch. He seemed to have moved away. Now there was another bird watching him from the lower branches. It must be that Phoolchuki, Billi thought, an absolutely useless bird to catch, for it was a very small bird and possibly not easy to hunt. Phoolchuki was very fast and mostly in the branches. Where was that jungle bush quail now?

Bater - the jungle bush quail - kept escaping

Billi could not catch Bater. He kept escaping easily.

[Photograph - Saleel Tambe]

There he was again, about six feet away. How does such a frightened looking animal manage to move so fast? Billi wondered. The jungle bush quail was looking scared. Bater seemed such an easy target. He had better make sure that there was no mistake this time. He should be lucky on the third time, Billi thought to himself. He looked around to see if the drongo was around. Well, he certainly did not seem to be at the perch, and there did not seem to be any other drongo calling out. Bulbul was at the same perch, but at least he was quiet and he would not disturb or warn the jungle bush quail. Only that irritating Phoolchuki was moving around in the lower branches of the babool tree, warbling in a low voice, and trying to look for insects. Billi moved again, crouching low, and moving very slowly.

Billi crawled for about four feet, through the tall grass. He wanted to make sure that he could certainly catch the jungle bush quail this time. He was only two feet away from the very frightened looking Bater. The jungle bush quail was moving around, very nervously, one step to the left, one step to the right, one step to the front, and running back some steps. Billi did not even want to stop and wonder why Bater was moving around in such a manner. He was getting hungrier and hungrier. He needed to catch that jungle bush quail very fast. He took one last look around. The drongo was still absent, Bulbul was sitting quietly, watching Billi, while Phoolchuki was moving around, warbling in a low, low voice. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 48 - Bulbul wonders about the plan

48

Bulbul wonders about the plan

Up above in the babool tree, Bulbul wondered as to what this plan was all about. He had thought that he had understood it when Kotwal had warned Bater twice, at the very instant that Billi had pounced. Bater had disappeared in the grass in a very rapid flash, the moment that Kotwal had changed his call from a low single syllable to a harsh screech. But Kotwal was not to be seen now. How Bater would escape Billi this time, Bulbul wondered. Phoolchuki kept moving from branch to branch and warbling in a low voice. Just as Billi stopped crawling and crouched to prepare for the jump, Phoolchuki stood still on a low branch and changed her call to a longer melodious note.

Billi had begun to make the jump when Phoolchuki changed her call. But Billi had not noticed the change as he was absolutely engrossed in trying to catch Bater. Billi landed once again on the marsh ground, but this time on very wet and soggy soil. He tried to get up but seemed to be stuck in the slush. He struggled and somehow pulled himself out of the soggy and slushy mud patch. He searched the spot to see if he had caught the jungle bush quail. He had failed once again. This was getting to be very irritating. He was usually very good at catching birds in the village, when he hid himself in the trees and bushes. What was puzzling was that he could not seem to catch the most frightened looking bird in the grassland. How did that jungle bush quail do that? How did he manage to escape his lunge and at the very next instant disappear and reappear four or six feet away?

Bulbul realised now that while Billi kept chasing Bater around the marsh, Phoolchuki, Darzi and Kotwal were moving around in the low babool branches. Kotwal stayed inside the thick canopy, unseen but coordinating Phoolchuki and Darzi. They were signalling back and forth to Bater and his family, indicating which way Billi was moving about, and where he had to be taken. Bulbul began to assemble the plan as he understood it at the moment. Teetiri had probably identified one bird to warn Bater at the very moment that Billi would make his jump. The birds in the grassland had also apparently decided that Kotwal would warn Bater for two jumps while Phoolchuki and Darzi would also alternately warn the jungle bush quail. Salonki and her mynas had surrounded the marsh along the sides facing the grassland. The unguarded side of the marsh was the one leading towards the village.