Tag: birds

Just writing

The Lark

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That little, talented bird with a beautiful voice that is music itself. I’m not sure I have seen one before, but I imagine he must be among those nesting in the nearby trees. 

Well … why did he crossed my mind today? 

Simply because of the book I have just finished. The Song of the Lark, which, by the way is not about the bird species. 

Can you  guess what it symbolises in the story?

It’s not hard to guess for birds, in most cases, symbolise freedom and ambition.

There’s a poem about this bird, but I haven’t read it yet. Perhaps another time. 

Away from the book and the poem, doesn’t the bird, with its unique name, feel like a musical poem? Full of energy and happiness? Beside it’s a migratory creature with an adventurous spirit. 

Watch out for him in the morning, for he’s the friend of light and the colourful kite dancing in the blue sky. 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

Birds’ Simple Dream

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Blue
And
Sky
And
Rain
And
Wind

And Birds fly, soaring high,
into the blue, rainy, windy sky.

They know no fear.
They know they were created to spread their wings,
to sail without ships across the vast, open sky.

And… they know how to live… Free.
How to build a simple nest, hidden in a tree.

By sunset, they whisper their own prayers,
close their tiny eyes,
and fall asleep in peace.

They know no big dreams —
only that tomorrow
with its blue, rainy, and windy sky,
will always be a new day.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

The Noble Prince

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Have you ever passed by such a beautiful robin?

He was standing just like that— perched on the back of the rusty bench while my daughter and I were walking in the park. She saw him first and whispered to me, “Look, Mama, look at that robin.”


“Oh, so cute,” I whispered back, and we both froze on the spot— wondering whether to move closer or walk away.

We quietly moved closer, and—surprisingly— the noble prince remained on his throne. Whether it was humility or pride— he stayed silent, his tiny eyes seemed to watch us.

How I wished he would sing— something, anything. But he seemed to have no song. Still, we couldn’t blame him; it was such a grey, humid, and hot day.

At least we were honoured to capture a photo of the park’s noble prince.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

The Watching Bird

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I smiled when I saw this gull as I took the photo. Can you see how confident and steady it paused as if it knew about photography and how to master the perfect pose. Perhaps it knows about social media, and dreams of becoming a celebrity among its own kind. That would be totally unbelievable!

As you see in the photo, the sea, the boats, and the clear sky (it was all blue later on) create a beautiful, natural background. But what you can’t see behind my phone camera is the hustle and bustle on the seashore. There were rows of benches lined along the seafront, and people sat there eating, talking, and basking in the sun. We were there too— my daughter and my husband enjoying their ice-cream, and I drinking orange juice. It was just then when I saw that dangerous bird, landing gracefully on that picturesque boat, and watching every soul around just like a hawk watching its prey.

Such greedy birds! Nature provides plenty for them—fish in the sea, worms in the soil, and more hidden beneath the sand. Yet, they are never satisfied. Always looking for the easy catch—human food. Excellent fishers and divers, these birds are professional at snatching and stealing others’ food. They seem to never have their fill—always watching, always wanting. That’s why I call them dangerous.

But they say humans are responsible for these birds’ changing of behaviour. They have spoiled the gulls by feeding them their own food. And that’s also why humans had tried to solve the problem by putting big sings that read: “Don’t feed them.” I saw these signs years ago, but not anymore. However, signs or no signs, the gulls have already adapted to their easy catch meal.

Aren’t there people who behave just like these greedy gulls? Those who have plenty but always set their eyes on what others have, what others eat, wear, and so on. The madness of social media has spread the danger of this phenomenon so badly. If gulls watch out of greed, unfortunately, some humans do the same, plus adding hate and envy.

Ironically, the sign that says: “Don’t feed them” could also apply to us—humans. But would we understand it?  Would we see that we, too, need to stop feeding our bad habits, unhealthy curiosity, and negative feelings toward others. 

Of course, we can—if only we’re willing to.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

He Flew Away!

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That’s Blue,  my little bird. I think you already know about him. I wrote about him a few times.

Today, he flew away. 

First, I couldn’t ‘t believe it when I saw him ran outside after me into the garden. He’d done it once before, but this time, he didn’t stand on my shoulders, didn’t jump on the laundry airer, didn’t fly back inside, and didn’t even look back. He flew away, up and high in the blue, warm sky.

But, I believe it, and I even felt it. Deep in my heart, I knew he would. Today was the perfect day. Yes, it’s a perfect springy day. The birds outside are singing and calling one another, high and loud. He couldn’t stop getting excited, couldn’t stop spreading his small wings and letting the gentle wind take him away. 

I feel happy for him, but also heartbroken, very hearbroken. He’s been my friend for almost three years. Over the last two weeks, after his mate died, he followed me everywhere. He made me laugh, he made me angry, and today made me cry.

I believe birds have feelings, because they have a soul. Otherwise they wouldn’t get attached to others, wouldn’t fear, wouldn’t love life.

I only pray I made him happy!

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

personal thoughts

I Missed It So Much!

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How I missed writing so much over the last few days!  Was it three or more days that I didn’t blog a post?

Things happen! It’s not that I ran out of thoughts but I felt just like want to pause. Perhaps because of the terrible headache I got, or because of my little bird following me like my shadow, or because of my daughter’s half-term break, or becuase of my middle son’s move to another city, or because of my eldest’s move to another in a month or so, or because of my husband’s busy work schedule.

But, you know what? All these are excuses, because I know myself well, and I know that I want to pause, and that’s what I did.

However, I haven’t paused reading, though my reading rhythm is slower than usual this month. I love and enjoy the book I’m reading right now. It’s interesting, a different story with special, unexpected turns of events and surprises. I’m determined to finish it today.

I have been reading quite a lot of Daphne du Maurier’s books. My first was Rebecca, and since then, I have read one after another. Though she belonged to a far distant generation, with different writing style, prose, characters, and plots,  many people still read her books. Perhaps, some find her work an alternative to contemporary themes, trends, and stories of today. Or, perhaps some enjoy her work because they, too, feel different in their own style, own voice, and own stories.

Aren’t there people who prefer to take the road less travelled by? 

Of course there are.



With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

Apracity

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It’s cold today, but it’s also sunny. I love it when you feel the warmth of the sun on a cold day. You not only feel the warmth of the sun; you also enjoy the blue sky, the green grass, and even the brown bare trees. People, big and small, old and young, will either put on their coats or not, and go out for a walk or a run.

It’s finally a sunny day.

Would there be any surprises in such a beatiful day? I have a funny one.

It’s sunny and cold, yes, but what’s more refreshing and enjoyable than taking the clean laundry out to fly with the light wind and dry under the warm sun?

I did, but before I closed the door, my bird ran after me. He stood on the airer and kept looking at me. To my surprise, I didn’t panic, didn’t try to catch him, and didn’t feel sad either. He would definitely fly away, soar high, and forget about me, I thought and continued hanging the clothes. But he didn’t fly away. Instead, he flew back inside and straight into his open cage. I really can’t express how happy I felt and am feeling.

They say when you choose to stay when you have the full freedom to go, you deeply feel you’re belonged and loved.

That’s the apracity of my day.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Books

Don’t Feed Them

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Three – no four, five, or even more – secret detectives and snipers, take over the four top corners of the building. They  watch, scan, and analyse you, your bag, your hands, and every motion you take in every direction. Oblivious of their plans and intentions, you ignore them, and sometimes laugh at them.

A moment or two later, the highly professional officers spread their strong, white wings and take off. Crying and calling to one another, they start diving through the clear, breezy air, aiming for a specific landing point

You aren’t watching them, not very interested, for you’re busy unwrapping your sandwich. Before you take your first bite, your friend points to the beautiful ship sailing on the sea. You turn with a smile, and before you know it, your sandwich is snatched, shared, and swallowed by the brute intruders.

Seagulls! Have you ever been their victim?

Perhaps, that’s why you might see signs every now and then that says: “Don’t feed them.”

Have you ever thought they might do more than just steal food? The Birds by Daphne du Maurier will make you experience the unbelievable. Here’s the link for my review.

https://nh825.wordpress.com/2025/01/30/the-birds/

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

daily prompt

Blue and Sky

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What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?


I have two cute parakeets for about three years now. Their story at my house started when my son’s colleague asked him if I could take care of her bird while she was away for a week. Of course I welcomed the tiny creature. Since it wasn’t mine, I never let him out of the cage but it was a torture watching him inside. Though, I liked him, I also couldn’t wait until he would go back to his friend. His short stay visits became frequent, and one day my son wondered if I would like to keep him for ever. Of course, I agreed, but I asked him to get a companion for my little friend. He did, and since then we have two: Blue and Sky.

‘How long do you expect birds would live?’ My son usually asks, teasing me.
‘Why does that matter? Today, they are alive, chirping, fighting, playing, eating, and flying around.’ I answered, making a face at him.

Do you think birds care about how long they are going to live? I don’t think so. But they do, of course, care about their life and take good care of it.

There is a common saying in Arabic:  “The soul is so precious.”

Every breath counts, every day counts, and every moment counts.

That’s my concept of a very long life.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

Flying with birds

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Image result for birds migration

 

 

 

Flying in an aeroplane is no longer an adventure. It becomes like getting on a train or a truck or a car, even if the distance you are going is far away.

I’ve just watched something which can be a real adventure; it’s the microlight flight with the birds.

It is miraculous how the birds soar high in groups,  have a plan on time, and fly to a specific destination. They migrate to survive and give us, humans,  the hope of the new beginning.

And, it will be amazing to share this experience; to fly next to those geese and swans, to stretch your arms, and reach and touch their flying wings.

I read briefly about Christian Moullec; he is one of the pioneers in the microlight flight. It’s interesting to know that the protection of migratory birds was his initial objective of starting the project of these flights.

I wonder whether I’d ever dare go on one, but at least I can imagine how this can be an extraordinary, an unforgettable experience.

Watch the video and let’s imagine!