Teetiri protects the grassland - 19 - Salonki’s father spoke to Kaawla Chacha

19

Salonki’s father spoke to Kaawla Chacha

Salonki’s father had asked one of the crows about this brownish yellow animal. The eldest of the crows, Kaawla Chacha, had replied that this animal was ‘Billi’, the village cat. It was very bold, very fast, very quiet and very patient. And, most important of all, it was very dangerous. One should not even try flying close to it. It could jump up, quite high, and injure you with its claws. Why do you grassland and forest birds come inside the village anyway, Kaawla Chacha asked angrily. Why do you come to suffer so badly? Do you see any of the village birds roaming around in the grassland? Or do you see the waterbirds roaming around in the forest? Get some sense, act smart, and survive. Stay in your habitat, Kaawla Chacha gestured angrily at Salonki’s father. Survive. Survive. Survive. Survive.

Salonki remembered all those unfortunate happenings very clearly. Salonki remembered Billi very clearly to this day. Only, he had not expected to see him inside the grassland, hiding in the marsh, and being an expert at camouflage, he told his partner. This animal in front of them, hiding away, very patiently in the marsh was Billi, Salonki told all her relatives. Why was it here, asked Salonki’s aunt, if it was supposed to be inside the village? If we should not go outside our habitat, what was this animal doing outside its village?

It must have come to the marsh to try its luck in hunting down some grassland birds, Salonki said. Okay. Salonki could also play this game. Salonki could also take this opportunity to take revenge for what had happened out there in the village that day. Kaawla Chacha had told Salonki’s father that day that Billi was smart and dangerous. Now let us see if Billi was indeed all that smart, Salonki told her partner. She flew to the lone babool stem to join Kotwal and Teetiri. Rapidly, she told them the story of that unfortunate day in the village when he had lost his brother.  Teetiri had never seen a cat. Billi? What was a Billi? Teetiri asked Salonki. Was it like Bhainsa, the buffalo? Was it like Gadheda, the donkey? Or, was it like Lombdi, the Wolf?

No, No, Kotwal and Salonki said together. It was not like Bhainsa, Gadheda or Lombdi, Kotwal said. This was a Cat, a Cat, a very dangerous animal, Salonki said. There are many types of cats, some large, some small, some spotted and some striped, Kotwal said. So, which one was this, he asked Salonki. Salonki only knew about the village cat from Kaawla Chacha and about how dangerous it was. Salonki herself had not seen Billi from very close. Whatever had been seen on that day in the village was a very fleeting glimpse of a very fast animal.

You won’t understand, Salonki told Teetiri. Do not just wait for it to come out. We have to bring Billi out of the marsh and chase it away from the grassland, Salonki said. They could not allow Billi to take over the marsh. The birds of the grassland would not be safe. No, No, Teetiri said, we have to fight for our grassland. I will fight for the grassland, Teetiri told Kotwal and Salonki, again and again. Not merely fight for the grassland, Salonki interrupted, we have to also humiliate Billi so that he would never return to the marsh and the grassland. It would be a big favour; could they do her this favour? Salonki asked Teetiri and Kotwal. Could they help her take revenge? It would help her feel better and forget the unfortunate happening of that day in the village. They needed to help her plan. It would also help to drive Billi away from the marsh. Teetiri and Kotwal agree to help fight Billi.

Teetiri protects the grassland - 20 - Teetiri needed the marsh to be safe

20

Teetiri needed the marsh to be safe

Teetiri agreed instantly while pecking fast at a passing beetle and swallowing it. Teetiri needed the marsh to be safe for her children when they would hatch out. She had planned the nesting in order that her children would be hatched just in time for the monsoon. But she was worried that the rains may be delayed by seven to ten days. She needed the water in the marsh and the safe hideout that the green grass would provide to her children.

Teetiri asked Kotwal to help Salonki plan against Billi. Kotwal also agreed to help. He had a very good reason to help because Billi had once climbed a mango tree adjacent to the village and destroyed the nest that belonged to Kotwal’s sister. Kotwal had not seen it happen but his father had described it to him. This Billi should never be allowed inside the grassland or at the marsh, Kotwal said. But we need more help, perhaps some clever birds from the village, Teetiri suggested. We do not know how to fight Billi, while the village birds would be able to help them plan. Both Kotwal and Salonki nodded in agreement.

Who could help them but Kaawla Chacha, said Salonki excitedly. He was the one who had scolded Salonki’s father in the village. He seemed to know a lot and seemed like a very wise bird. He may be able to help the birds of the grassland. Kaawla Chacha certainly seemed to be very intelligent. Salonki proposed that Kaawla Chacha could be invited to come to the grassland and help the birds lead an attack on Billi while he hid in the marsh.

Teetiri disagreed. She still remembered the way that Kaawla Chacha’s cousin had destroyed her nest and eaten up her eggs. She argued that Kaawla may be very intelligent but he was also a danger to the birds and their nests in the grassland. Kaawla Chacha should never be able to find out the secrets of the grassland or the marsh. An enemy is an enemy is an enemy. Especially one who destroys your nest and eats away the eggs. Such an enemy could never be trusted. We may replace one foolish enemy with a very smart and intelligent enemy, she said.

Kotwal agreed. Do not call Kaawla Chacha, he advised. A better friend would be Guturgu, the Blue-Rock Pigeon. Guturgu never destroyed any nests or ate any eggs. He was very peaceful, content to live with his family. He actually seemed to have a very large family. The blue-rock pigeons seemed to come out of the village in their hundreds to the cropfields when the grain was ready to be harvested. They were never to be seen flying around commonly in the grassland or the river or the forest. The local villagers were also known to feed them at a specific place. Guturgu could teach some tricks to the birds of the grassland. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 21 - Salonki goes to meet Guturgu

21

Salonki goes to meet Guturgu

Kotwal asked Salonki to fly fast to the village. Speed was important, Teetiri added. Yes, do not hang around to talk to anybody you meet along the way, Kotwal told Salonki. Go and meet Guturgu and ask him for advice. He would be easy to find, because Guturgu never went anywhere. He and his family were always to be found near the various foodgrain storage sheds belonging to the farmers. Salonki could meet Guturgu easily near these sheds in the village, Kotwal said. Make sure you meet Guturgu, because you are now our only hope to save the grassland and its marsh, Teetiri added.

Salonki agreed, actually he kept nodding and shaking her head, and flew directly to the village. We will never know whether Salonki actually understood what we said, Kotwal told Teetiri. Kotwal flew to the babool tree while Teetiri continued to walk around the grassland. Salonki’s partner was sitting impatiently on the babool tree, lost without Salonki and bored with the continuous chatter of his relatives. He asked Kotwal if he had seen Salonki. I am getting bored sitting here with nothing to do and nobody to talk to. What sort of a plan was this? Is Teetiri to be trusted, she asked Kotwal.

Salonki has gone to the village and will return after some time, Kotwal told Salonki’s partner. You have to trust Teetiri. She is doing all this to protect the grassland for its birds. Billi can be quite dangerous. You are all at risk from Billi. We will all be safe once Billi is chased away from the grassland. Salonki’s partner was not convinced. He argued as to why should all the mynas be asked to do as per Teetiri’s plan? Why should they not have a plan of their own? Anyway, Billi cannot chase all the mynas. Teetiri is doing this for herself and fooling the mynas, He told Kotwal.

No, No, No, Kotwal said. Nobody has a plan, and it is certainly not Teetiri’s plan. It is a plan that belongs to all the birds of the grassland. In any case, Teetiri has put no bird in danger. She herself has been cautious because she wants to make sure that Billi is chased away completely. Once gone, he should not return to the grassland or its marsh. We have to work together. You cannot have your plan and I cannot have my plan and somebody else cannot have another plan. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 24 - Salonki asks for Guturgu at the village

24

Salonki asks for Guturgu at the village

I need to find Guturgu, the blue-rock pigeon, and seek his advice on taking revenge on Billi, Salonki told Bade Miya and Chote Miya. Billi is hiding in the marsh near the grassland and frightening all the birds, Salonki added. Bade Miya snorted angrily. Billi is hiding in the marsh near the grassland? That would not do, that would not do, that would not do, Bade Miya said, and angrily snorted and shook his head up and down and sideways. Chote Miya also nodded vigorously. The marsh is my favourite resting spot during the hot noon sun. I need the marsh, to relax, after a hard day's work at the cropfields.

Bade Miya added, we need the marsh, and we need all our bird friends. We need Kotwal, the black drongo, Salonki, the common myna, and her cousins, along with Teetiri and Teetiraa, the redwattled lapwings. We need all our friends while we rest and wallow in the marsh. Salonki also nodded and added that all the birds also loved their presence. The presence of the oxen in the marsh disturbed the insects from its bottom and provided easy food for most birds. Especially Salonki and her cousins and for Kotwal. They simply loved to perch on the backs of the oxen.

Billi should be chased away from the marsh, Bade Miya said. And who would do that, would you? asked Chote Miya sarcastically. Yes. Yes. I can chase Billi away. I can chase all the village dogs. I am not a coward like you, replied Bade Miya. Coward? Who are you calling a coward? Chote Miya asked. You. I am calling you a coward. Bade Miya retorted and  added, I would have loved to go with Salonki right away to chase Billi from the marsh, but I am tied down to the post by my farmer. What can I do? I am helpless right now.

Chote Miya snorted angrily, and said that it was more likely because Bade Miya had just eaten a lot of sugarcane, and could not even move from his spot. Bade Miya again rose to retort, but Salonki decided not to hang around and listen to this conversation that went back and forth throughout the day. Salonki knew that these two could argue upon absolutely useless topics for days and weeks without any purpose. They had nothing else to do. They had to sit next to each other, walk alongside each other, work with each other, and live with each other as long as their farmer kept them together. Without seeking any more advice from Bade Miya or Chote Miya, Salonki flew off to the flock of pigeons and to ask them about Guturgu. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 26 - Salonki is examined by the pigeons

26

Salonki is examined by the pigeons

The young male pigeon did not seem to want to step away. He continued in a questioning voice, for Guturgu does not talk to strangers. Especially those who come without prior invitation. Salonki, surprised at the hostility, took two steps back, and said, Hey, cut out this hostility, my friend. I am an old friend of Guturgu, probably even before you were born. So can you just shove back, or step aside, and just point me towards Guturgu. And go back to whatever you were doing, up there in the sky.

This was new to the young male pigeon. He was not used to being opposed. He had had been having a good time until now. All the other pigeons feared him. Nobody opposed him. There seemed to be silence among the flock of pigeons now. All the hmmmming and grmmming that was going on in the flock was gone. All sat quietly on the roof of the grain-shed. They were watching the young male pigeon and waiting for him to react. Perhaps he may throw Salonki from the roof, said one vain male pigeon to a disinterested plump aunt of his. It was not to be, however. The young male pigeon stepped back. Watching the retreat, slowly the pigeons made a path among them, for Salonki to walk through towards a broken window in the shed next to the roof.

Salonki walked worriedly, towards the broken window, wondering as to what was happening. The young male pigeon, humbled and quiet, followed her very closely. The three vain male pigeons accompanied him, hoping that the female pigeons would think highly of them as they did of the sky-diving young male pigeon. A shy young female pigeon walked alongside Salonki. She whispered that the sky-diving young male blue-rock pigeons were their guards, for they had decided to protect themselves from animals like Billi and Naag. They came up to the broken window and the shy young female pigeon called out in a very low voice.

The window was very dirty, with cobwebs and grime settled on the panes. There was just enough space between the broken panes and the window frame for one pigeon to squeeze inside. Any large animal like a dog or cat trying to squeeze itself through the opening would suffer cuts from the broken sharp edges of the window pane. Salonki stood outside the broken window and tried to peer inside. It was a clear drop and it seemed to be very dark inside. Even rats or mice could not enter through this opening. Only birds could squeeze through and fly to any particular perch that they wished to inside the shed.

Salonki could hear the low hmmmming and grmmmming of many pigeons inside the shed. There were probably more than fifty pigeons inside. What were they doing inside this shed? Salonki asked her companion. These are our nesting aunts and uncles, the shy young female pigeon said and added, they are sitting on eggs at the nests built on various perches inside the shed. We protect them by preventing unwanted strangers from coming near this open window. Any bird or animal or reptile, including the dangerous Naag, would have to first cross the thirty pigeons who are always present on the shed's roof. We stay on the roof throughout the night and day. The shade from the nearby neem tree protects us during the day. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 27 - Guturgu – the leader of the pigeons

27

Guturgu – the leader of the pigeons

Our young male pigeons guard us by continually flying in the sky in tight circles to keep a watch and warn us if any animal was approaching the shed or the neem tree. But what about Guturgu, Salonki asked, was he your leader?  Yes, replied the shy young female pigeon. He plans all the activities of our flock, keeps them together, and helps us find food, shelter and protection. He ensures that they we are not harmed while our aunts and uncles are at the nests. He controls the entire population of blue-rock pigeons in the village. All of us owe our safe existence to him, said the shy young female pigeon, in obvious and absolute reverence to Guturgu.

Again there was a sudden drop of conversation, and silence followed. An almost silent flap of wings could be heard inside the shed and suddenly, Guturgu was there at the window sill. So, Salonki, my old friend, what brings you here away from the grassland? Guturgu asked, stepping outside the window. He was a huge one, larger and fatter than the other pigeons, or seemed to be so, thought Salonki. Salonki had known him earlier when he was slimmer, leaner and faster. Guturgu had visited the marsh waters in the grassland during one very hot summer some years ago. The village pools and the river had gone dry throughout the region during that year. The marsh waters were thought to be bad for drinking for the humans and thus it was freely available to the birds and animals through the summer. Unlike the village pools and the river, the marsh had retained its waters through the harsh summer. It had become quite crowded then, thought Salonki.

I need your help, Salonki said. I guessed as much, Guturgu said, for otherwise you would not be here. Do tell me what is it that you need. Salonki replied, O friend, the marsh waters may no longer be safe. Your know how precious is the marsh to all the birds. And now, we can no longer enter the marsh. Surprised, Guturgu swelled his chest, waved his wings above his head and asked, You can no longer enter the marsh? Pray tell why? Why is it that you can no longer enter the marsh? Is it no longer there? Are the waters of the magical marsh finally gone dry? Are we to suffer this summer? This is a serious matter, my friend Salonki.

Happy that Guturgu had taken the matter so seriously right at the first bit of information, Salonki added, O Guturgu, my old friend, I come to you for help, because only you can help us in the manner in which we need it. The waters are present and will remain so during this summer. But we cannot enter the marsh because Billi is hiding out there, waiting to catch any of the birds that would come inside the marsh grasses. Guturgu gave a hum of understanding, and relaxed. You came to me on your own, my good friend Salonki? And pray tell me, how did you know that I was the correct person to give you advice against Billi?

Teetiri and Kotwal have also sent their regards and seek your support in taking action against Billi, Salonki explained. Guturgu hmmmmmed and grmmmmmmed loudly, and then trmmmmmed and brmmmmed for some more time. He is thinking, said the young female pigeon, obviously very much in love with Guturgu. The young male pigeon-guards were very alert, watching the sky, the roofs of neighbouring sheds, and giving wing signals to other male pigeon-guards flying in the sky. Salonki looked around at the thirty blue-rock pigeons that were standing there waiting to hear Guturgu's words of wisdom. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 28 - Guturgu gives advice to Salonki

28

Guturgu gives advice to Salonki

Would the marsh also come to this, Salonki wondered. Would the mynas, sparrows, bulbuls, lapwings and drongos, continue to live peacefully in the grassland? Would they have to begin to develop a very alert and attentive system like Guturgu and his pigeons?  This seemed so silly. Why live like this? Forever fearful? Thankfully, the grassland was not like the village, except for the danger from Naag or Dhaman or Shikra or Shaheen. Salonki whispered to himself. Probably these were the dangers of living near or in human settlements. What was Guturgu thinking? Was it so difficult to get rid of Billi? Would Guturgu be able to help? Would Salonki, Teetiri and Kotwal have to wait until Bade Miya went into the marsh to chase Billi away? Salonki wondered.

I can sense your worries, my old friend. You are thinking if your grassland would also become a dangerous place, with unknown enemies, Guturgu said. Yes, Salonki said, we can survive with our known enemies, like Naag, Dhaman or Kaawla. Sometimes we can fool Shikra or Shaheen. But animals like Billi will bring other problems with them. We cannot survive without our water. We need the marsh in the grassland, Salonki added. Guturgu nodded and hmmmmmed. I do not think I can help you as much as you hope I can do magic immediately to chase Billi away from the grassland. Do you not see how we live her, in constant fear of various animals? Guturgu asked.

I cannot lend you strength or wisdom, Salonki my friend. You need to solve this problem with your own strengths, Guturgu said. It is not wise to invite others to help you when danger threatens you inside your own house. You need to work together, Guturgu advised and added, all the birds in the grassland need to think about this together. You can do it. The answer is within you. You need to search for it, my dear friend, Guturgu said. Those who live together will always help each other. Do as we do. See how well we have organised ourselves.We have not lost a pigeon for the past more than sixty days. 

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 49 - Bulbul is puzzled about Bater and Billi

49

Bulbul is puzzled about Bater and Billi

But similar to Billi, Bulbul could not understand how Bater could disappear and reappear four to six feet away. Why did Bater simply not keep running towards the village so that Billi would run out that way? Billi was also getting tired at this roundabout. This frightened looking bird seemed to be able to move so rapidly and always kept escaping his attacks. How did Bater do it? How did he escape each time? And, how did he move so fast? There he was again, four feet away this time. The jungle bush quail continued to look very frightened. Billi looked around, to see if any other bird would warn off Bater. There did not seem to be any, for the drongo was not to be seen, and Phoolchuki was moving about in the inner branches.

Billi crawled faster this time through the grass. He was low, and he was certain that Bater had not seen him move towards him. This time around, he would be successful, Billi thought. It would be better if he did not waste more time, but straightaway jump right on the jungle bush quail. There, the jungle bush quail continued to do that strange side-step to the left and right, followed by two steps to the front and a brief running scamper backwards. Billi wondered as to what this strange movement was. Even Bulbul was getting fascinated by the dancing steps of the jungle bush quail. Both Billi and Bulbul were so engrossed in the step-movement of Bater that they did not see Darzi’s sudden appearance in the babool branches.

Again, just as Billi got ready to pounce, Darzi called out in a low whistle. Bater disappeared instantly, but Billi had already begun to jump. This time around, Billi landed further in to the marsh, and found that he was sinking in the slushy mud. At the very moment, Bulbul saw that there was a jungle bush quail standing behind Billi at the spot that he had jumped. He looked back inside the marsh startled, and found that there was another jungle bush quail standing at the spot of the previous jump, and another quail at the second jump and yet another jungle bush quail at the spot of the first jump. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 50 - Bater and his quail family

50

Bater and his quail family

So that was the other part of the strategy, and what a wonderful plan, Bulbul thought. Billi was actually trying to catch a different jungle bush quail each time. Billi seemed to be absolutely sure that he was trying to catch the same jungle bush quail each time. Whereas he was, in fact pouncing on one quail, allowing him to get away, and then chasing another quail. Teetiri must have thought up this strategy when she saw that all the jungle bush quail looked equally frightened and nervous. Billi would never guess that he was chasing a different quail each time.

Meanwhile on the ground, a tired Billi had managed to pull himself out of the marsh waters. He was exhausted from all the effort that it required to come out of the very sticky slush. He decided to sit down and take some rest. Teetiri had planned for this situation also; it seemed to Bulbul, for Kotwal immediately flew down to where Bater was hiding in the marsh grasses. Hiding himself behind a thick clump of grasses, Kotwal tried to talk to Bater. It seemed like an impossible task for Bater was totally invisible even though he was sitting right in front of Kotwal. He could only see Bater’s eye looking back at him from the dry brown grass in front of him. The rest of the body was very difficult to trace out from its surroundings.

You had better signal to your family to withdraw from their positions, Kotwal told Bater. Bring them all closer to you and slowly start moving back from the marsh. Bater’s eyelid flickered up and down, and he raised his head to speak to Kotwal, Move back now? Why? We are doing so fine, all of us. I have never seen my family so bold, so courageous and faithful. They are, each one of them, confident of facing up to Billi. And they are doing it, without my presence at their side. I am so proud of them. Why should we withdraw now? Is this the end of Teetiri’s plan? Bater asked Kotwal.

No, my courageous friend, this is not the end of Teetiri’s plan, Kotwal replied, there is more to come. Just wait. Billi may get dangerous as he gets more and more tired. That is why Teetiri wants you and your family out of the marsh now. Each time that Billi pounced on one of your family, we were lucky. It could have gone the other way also. Each time, Billi could have managed to catch one member of your family. Now it is the turn of the other birds of the grassland to harass Billi. So, Bater, my friend, you had better call your family back. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 51 - Bater is grateful to be alive

51

Bater is grateful to be alive

Bater nodded in agreement; sober now, after the initial excitement of having fooled Billi was over. Kotwal was correct. He could have lost one of his brothers or his sons in this war with Billi. It was indeed better to be smart and alive, than foolish and dead. Bater remembered his own father who had told him that it was not meant for the jungle bush quail to be a foolish hero, but to be cautious, careful and alive. Bater decided to call back his family. He raised himself from his hidden position, taking courage from Kotwal’s presence nearby, and called out in a low, repetitive whistle. The call was almost similar to any of the other whistling bird calls that could be heard in the grassland. But it seemed to serve Bater’s purpose appropriately, thought Kotwal, for he could see the jungle bush quail moving towards them.

An instant before, Kotwal could only see Bater. An instant later, there were seven jungle bush quail, standing in front of him. How did they manage that? Kotwal wondered. They moved unseen inside the grass, without shaking up any of the clumps, without any sound and managed to converge at a single point, on the basis of a single call from Bater. How did all the jungle bush quail in a flock manage to identify the single unseen point of convergence from inside all that thick grasses, bushes and rocks? They were really good at this. No wonder that Guturgu had suggested that Bater would have to lead the attack.

At a signal from Bater, the jungle bush quail family moved back from the marsh and went off to hide in the grassland. Kotwal flew out of the marsh grasses and joined Teetiri at the lone babool stem. Phoolchuki and Darzi had also come over to join Teetiri. Now we will start the second step of the plan, said Teetiri, and signalled to Chimini to move into the marsh. Kotwal and Phoolchuki were asked to go and perch themselves over the marsh to provide support to Chimini. Salonki kept moving around the marsh, visiting all her relatives, and ensuring that they kept chattering and making a lot of noise all around. Darzi stayed behind with Teetiri and later went on to sit next to Bulbul to make sure that he did not blurt out the plan to Billi, or to any other animal or bird. That was actually if Bulbul had understood the plan. 

Teetiri protects the grassland - 53 - Chimini and the sparrows are in danger

53

Chimini and the sparrows are in danger

He had now crossed the narrow stream and stayed low, keeping one thick clump of grass between him and the sparrows. He kept looking around to see if the black drongo or Phoolchuki had returned. Bulbul continued to perch where he was. It seemed amazing to Bulbul that Billi had actually come to within three feet away from the sparrows. Chimini and her relatives seemed to be in actual danger. Who would warn the sparrows now? Bulbul wondered, for Kotwal and Phoolchuki were not to be seen. Darzi was sitting alongside him, but seemed to be only looking at Bulbul. Wonder what was that all about? Bulbul thought.

Suddenly, Bulbul saw Kotwal, perched just behind Billi, at a very low branch. He seemed to have positioned himself at a spot where Billi could not turn around to look without exposing himself to the sparrows. Chimini and her relatives could see Kotwal perched on a low perch, accompanied by Phoolchuki at another low perch about six feet away to the left. So, between the two of them, Phoolchuki and Kotwal, Bulbul realised, both of them could keep a watch on Billi. Wonder what was to happen now, Bulbul thought, and wished that he could discuss all these secret strategies with someone. He turned to see if he could discuss it with Darzi, but gave up the thought on looking at the alert gleam in the tailorbird’s eye.

Billi came up to within two feet of the sparrows. They seemed to continue to be ignorant of Billi’s presence. This was the right time, Billi thought, and jumped the remaining two feet at the sparrows. There it was again, Billi realised, the harsh warning call of the black drongo at the very moment that he jumped. The sparrows on hearing the call seemed to lift off, just a microsecond before Billi completed his attack. Billi landed with a very harsh and painful thud. The foolish sparrows had actually been playing and sandbathing on very sharp rocks. Billi could feel each rock throughout his body. Again, he had not managed to catch any bird.

This was getting to be a bad day, Billi thought. He would now stop attacking. He would have to develop a new strategy. He could not keep attacking and hurting himself. Already the leg-injury inflicted by the village dogs was very painful and now these sharp rocks. He would now wait for these stupid birds to come to him. Chimini and her family had flown to some low banyan branches and were now laughing at Billi. They seemed to be laughing and laughing and laughing and laughing. This was becoming very humiliating. He needed to prove himself, soon. He had to prove himself not merely for the sake of understanding if he could hunt properly, but also for satisfying his very hungry stomach.