" OF BIRDS AND BIRDSONG" - A BOOK REVIEW

        OF BIRDS AND BIRDSONG : M KRISHNAN : ALEPH : PAGES 382 : PRICE: RS 595/- : 

      Whether you have bird knowledge or whether you are bird ignorant like many, this is a book that you should not miss. The book is actually a compilation of late Krishnan’s fortnightly column in "The Statesman" for 46 uninterrupted years done painstakingly by Shanti and Ashish Chandola. Many of us who enjoy watching birds, their movements and hear their beautiful “calls” will find the book a goldmine of information on these wonderful creatures. We have about 1200 bird varieties in different environments and we also look forward every year to our guest birds during season with bated breath. They arrive in hordes with stunning precision. Krishnan, whose deep knowledge of birds is awesome, gives the readers details of their plumage, beaks, legs, wings and other features of birds besides their social behavior, food, breeding and rearing habits. Unfortunately, due to our unceasing concretization of cities, many birds have become rare. Sparrows and vultures have almost disappeared from the city scene. There are birds that sing. Like shama, drongos, bush-chats etc. One can go ecstatic listening to them. Krishnan, the ornithologist, is best when he describes the aesthetic qualities of birds. Written with knowledge and passion over a long period of four decades, the contributions are a virtual delight to read. Let us all buy a copy of the book, read it slowly and absorb the stunning birds in our minds alongwith the aroma over a cup of fine tea and savour the world of birds with Krishnan.