Blue Litmus

Other than the occasional (read frequent) mistake of engaging the third instead of the second gear, I face no problems with riding a motorcycle. I am convinced that more satisfactory results may be obtained as February comes to a close. My second month in Alwar was very fruitful. Myself and two colleagues climbed 6 kilometres uphill to Alwar Fort (called bala quila by the locals). We learnt that the fort is under Police control and that there’s a limit with regard to how many visitors are allowed in a day. There are also timings to be adhered to. We gathered exactly why the arrangements are this way when we reached the fort. It is in tatters. Unless reinforced with concrete, the fort will tumble downhill with the unfortunate payload that went visiting. Judging by the maintenance, this could happen sooner than one might note. Large langurs also sit beside the roads curiously watching frightened tourists. Purse, phone, and eatables are snatched quite frequently. For a moment one finds it hard to ascertain just who’s in control of the fort – the police or the monkeys. Conscience usually agrees with the latter. On the other hand, the view of the valleys and the town of Alwar from up there was simply wonderful. One had to be very careful not to use cameras in full view of the long-tailed vagabonds but yours truly still was able to capture some images on his phone. Returning downhill was the easy part and on the way I was able to spot some really pretty birds (I mean birds of ornithological interest please!). For example there was this bird that looked like a sparrow with a very huge appetite but just as active. It wouldn’t sit in one place. It has brown foliage with a yellow beak and sports a tail like that of a dove. I am not sure where to begin searching for a name. Humming birds were common and so also were peacocks and peahen. In fact I have spotted a lot of new birds just living in Alwar. I had never seen any one of these in Delhi or Madras. At the factory, the management has taken an initiative to rear a gaggle of geese within the premises and I get to see them in action too. Quite a cool bunch that. They sound like old tractor horns tooting around and taking walks in the park under the sun. Apart from these, there are white egret-like things within the town. I hope to take some pictures of this fauna but you know how birds are. The Sariska trip is still on the cards. The tigers apparently have resurfaced and offer a wholesome experience of wildlife. That is some time away. I visit a local library and browse books on botany. I couldn’t find one on ornithology. I need those names. Any suggestions?