Graceful Demoiselle Cranes|Epistolary by Ishita,16,Kolkata + Cool Facts

Today’s write up is an epistolary work, which means in the form of letters by 16 year old Ishita Jain from Kolkata.

Ishita is a 16 year old who loves reading and writing. She is someone who would rather curl up with a book, with a hot cup of tea than go out and socialize. She loves to listen to music as well.

She goes to La Martiniere for Girls School and is a student of Word Munchers.

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Dear Aunt, 

Do you remember the day you told me to take time out of my busy schedule from time to time to be in the lap of nature? Well, this December, I got such an opportunity. As a part of a science class activity, I was handed the responsibility of leading a group of juniors on a bird watching expedition. We went to Keoladeo National Park, India’s most famous bird watching park. It is a small wetland in Rajasthan that domiciles over 400 species of birds.

Our science teacher was a retired ornithologist, who helped us throughout the trip. We were told by our guide, to be quiet in order to experience the thrill of observing exotic birds. The group of juniors were very cooperative and understanding; the group touring with us, were an obstreperous lot.

In that tranquil atmosphere in the wilderness, we saw many birds such as painted storks, bar-headed goose and Indian courser. However, the bird that caught my eye the most was the Demoiselle Crane, which is the smallest of the crane species. Their bodies and outer wings are a pale silver-blue in colour and their tails and the underside of their wings, are black in colour. Their necks are black while there are pearly white feathers on the side of their eyes. They also have a mane-like set of feathers on their chest that makes them look graceful and elegant. This attractive bird has red eyes and small, ivory beaks, with grey and pink marks on them. 

Seeing this bird, all of us were left awe-struck and unable to tear our eyes away from it. Their call is like that of a ‘high-pitched trumpet’, as our guide had told us. They are migratory birds who migrate to South-Asia during the breeding season of winter. 

We spent that entire day in awe of the entire park filled with beautiful, exotic birds. I learnt a lot about different kinds of birds that day and I plan on visiting the park along with you next time you are in Rajasthan. 

Yours Lovingly,

Ishita.

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