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 - 23 - Bade Miya and Chote Miya

23

Bade Miya and Chote Miya

While all the birds were waiting, Salonki had flown straight to the village. She had not stopped anywhere in the grassland. She had indeed felt extremely tempted when she saw Chimini and her cousins alighting on some foodgrain bullock carts that were returning to the village. She controlled herself, remembering Kotwal and Teetiri’s strict instructions. She had to meet Guturgu as fast as possible, seek his advice and return to the grassland. Teetiri and Kotwal would be waiting for her.

She could see some of blue-rock pigeons, Guturgu’s relatives, flying near the foodgrain sheds. Guturgu was sure to be sitting there. But what if he was not to be found there? She could not risk wasting time searching for Guturgu. She could not go around the entire village. What if Guturgu had gone to visit some other village? She needed information. Sure and reliable information to help her search for Guturgu. And she thought she knew where she could get some good information.

She had some very reliable and very strong friends. These were the oxen belonging to the groundnut farmer. He had his cropfields near the grassland. Salonki alighted at the farmer’s foodgrain shed. She knew his bullock cart, and had sat on the backs of the oxen that pulled it. She knew both the oxen and was friendly with them. Teetiri and Kotwal were also good friends of both the oxen. The three of them helped the oxen by picking off insects from their body. Actually only Salonki and Kotwal did that, by perching on the backs of the oxen. Teetiri stayed nearby, picking up the insects that got disturbed by the farmer’s plough  that was pulled by the oxen.

Salonki knew that she could safely sit near the oxen and talk to them about Teetiri and Kotwal. The oxen would not get angry at Salonki’s presence. Teetiri always preferred to follow the oxen when the farmer released them at the edge of his cropfield while he worked on the groundnut crop. They would not welcome Teetiri while they rested. Kotwal, perhaps, may be equally as welcome as Salonki. Kotwal was also friendly with the oxen, daring to perch on their backs. But it was Salonki that the oxen really trusted. They allowed her to perch even an inch away from their eyes. Salonki perched so dangerously in order to pick off the small insects from their ears and near their eyes.

The shorter, slimmer and younger ox was called Bade Miya (Big Man), while the taller, fatter and older one was called Chote Miya (Small Man). This seemed to be like a joke for the farmers, Salonki thought, for they always laughed when they called the oxen by their names. These oxen were a favourite with all the villagers because they always won prizes at the bullock-cart races. So, what brings you here to the village, so far away from your grassland, asked Bade Miya. Salonki hopped on to Chote Miya’s back, gestured to Bade Miya to have some patience, and took huge gasps of breath. She had flown very rapidly from the grassland in order to reach the village. Chote Miya was however not going to be patient. Yes, what brings you here to the village, my favourite tick-eater, Chote Miya asked Salonki. 

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 - 25 - Salonki meets Guturgu

25

Salonki meets Guturgu

Salonki flew up to the roof of the nearest shed. There were about twenty blue-rock pigeons sitting there, cooing loudly, with two very vain male pigeons, rotating themselves in circles,  trying to impress the lady pigeons. It would be better to seek information from these pigeons rather than Bade Miya or Chote Miya, thought Salonki. The pigeons were present on about six to seven roofs of the grain sheds. A very audible humming noise could be heard once one landed amongst the pigeons. Salonki wondered whether they chatted with each other. Whether they gossipped with each other.  The pigeon flock seemed totally unlike Chimini and her cousins or Salonki' relatives when they gathered together. You could hear them throughout the grassland when they started talking.

The pigeons became strangely silent the moment Salonki landed on the shed's roof. The humming stopped, and the vain male pigeons stopped circling themselves, and stood warily, watching Salonki. It was then that Salonki realised that there were hardly any other birds within the pigeons on the roofs. Alarmed, she looked around at the nearby sheds. Again there were none, except if you included Kaawla's cousin, who was cawing above the sweet merchant's shop.

She wondered if the pigeons would attack her because she had come inside their space. But then, she remembered, pigeons did not attack mynas. So she must be safe. Was she, Salonki wondered. She asked the nearest pigeons about Guturgu. They did not answer.  She walked inside the flock, and asked the vain male pigeons about Guturgu. They kept silent. And suddenly, one of the female pigeons made an abrupt gesture of flapping her wings and jumping up and down on the roof, as though in alarm. Taken aback, Salonki stepped out of the flock's space on the shed's roof.

From up above among the clouds, flying about almost unseen, a young male pigeon, very proud of his ability to fly in tight circles for a long time, flew down rapidly like an arrow, and came to an abrupt halt, barely two inches from Salonki. He stood beak-to-beak, barely an eyeblink away from Salonki's eye, and asked, and who asks, may I know? Surprised, Salonki replied, I am Salonki, from the grassland. I have come to meet Guturgu. The answer did not seem to have satisfied the young male pigeon, for he did not move away from Salonki, and asked again, And why do you think Guturgu should talk to you? All the other pigeons seemed to step closer now, including the vain male pigeons who seemed to have been frightened earlier. 

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 - 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 - 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 - 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.