The Hiker and a Bird

The man was sad and in tears holding a bird in his palms. Watching him, all the other pigeons gathered and later dispersed. But, one bird didn’t leave him, giving him company by sitting on his shoulders. I, being a fellow hiker who just reached the tree asked the man offering him water, what happened? Is everything alright? What is your story?

This man seems to be in his forties. Though having a stout personality , he looks weak and teary eyed, surely there might be a strong reason behind his sadness.

The man was silent, didn't replied me for few minutes. Then said in a soft voice.

I am Arya, am a hiker.

Nice meeting you Arya. I am Robin.

Every week, I used to explore new places and mountains in and around Muscat to hike. If I get long weekends ,I go far off locations for hiking sometimes with friends but most of the times alone. I love sitting on the cliff watching the beautiful picturesque landscapes this country Oman offers.

But one day, I found a dead bird at the starting point of this hill which gave me a bad omen and as I proceeded further found another dead pigeon. Reaching the summit, I realized that the deaths of birds might be due to summer heat and non-availability of water on these Rocky Mountains. So, I made a routine to keep a bowl of water under the shade of a rock or a tree whichever I find and then resume my hike.

I asked Arya who is this bird? Is your pet?

Hmmm.. She is my friend Reva.

What? Does she has a name too? Yes. I call her with this name and she responds.

Why Reva?

Reva means 'Rain' in hindi. As this is a dry land and no rains like in India, I always miss them and my mom's pakora.

I guess, Reva observed me helping birds and she befriended me following me in my hiking trips. At times she helps me in showing the direction too.
Most of the times, the mountains will not have guided trials especially outside the city. So based on the foot prints or used paths by many people one can continue the journey exploring in his/her own way.

I am just a beginner,this info helps me.Thanks a lot.

Arya continued...

Usually she follows me from my home. But today, Reva didn’t come along with me and I thought she might join me in the middle of my way and I reached Sidab and waited for Reva. It’s been a long time and I was worried about her and I couldn’t able to start the hike. So, I decided to come here where I met her first. My instincts said, Reva is in some trouble and needed my help. I arrived here in 50 min but I was shocked seeing Reva trying to remove a tiny plastic piece with her beak which got stuck in her baby’s throat. Immediately, I tried to rescue the baby but the baby mouth is too tiny and it was very difficult to remove the piece without hurting the baby. On top of it my hands were trembling in fear. Praying to god ,I tried again and finally relieved saving the baby.

While talking to me , Arya placed the baby safely in the nest. Reva cuddled her baby and made her sleep.

(Reva observing silently sat on Arya's shoulders.)

Arya asked, ‘ Why we humans are so rude to these birds littering the nondecomposable plastic everywhere even on the mountains where no one lives ?' These innocent creatures in search of food unknowingly eating these variety of plastics(polythene, bottle cups, straws etc.) and getting into serious life threatening troubles like these.

Hereafter, I take a vow to pick the plastic trash on my way saving these innocent birds.

Saying this , Arya turned at me with a subtle smile and resumed his hike again.

Following him, I said to myself , ' Learnt an important lesson today. Let's spread this awareness to all and save these creatures.'