Birds with character
R. KRITHIKA
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A warm, witty account of various water birds.
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When you think of water birds most people name duck and geese. A few better-informed ones would add herons or cranes. But dip into Ranjit Lal's Water Birds and you'll find a whole new world. From those mentioned above to lesser known (to the lay reader) grebes, cormorants, jacanas ... the list is endless. If it weren't for Ranjit Lal's name on the cover, the simple Water Birds on the cover would imply a dry scientific tome. But the book, full of Lal's trademark humour, is a warm and witty account of various bird watching expeditions across the country.
While describing the bird's appearance, Lal gives wicked little comparisons — fishermen, schoolboys, politicians, aeroplanes — that allow the reader to form an image of a bird with character. Obviously there are no limp or dull birds in Ranjit Lal's world. The Introduction is an evocative piece, almost like a description of one's love, clearly shows his enjoyment of and deep love for bird watching. In fact the first impression after reading the book is almost as if one were listening to him, so informal is the language. This does not detract from the book in any way; in fact it adds to its charm.
Beautiful pencil sketches add to the book's charm. But the illustrator's name is not mentioned anywhere.
Water Birds, Ranjit Lal, Rupa, Rs. 195
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