Many of us have been residing in a place for many years now, some of us have been born and raised in the same place and spent a substantial amount of quality time in the same locality, country or region. But have we ever observed trivial seeming things around us?

Have you tried to observe and comprehend the biota of the place you stay in? I stay in Dubai, and I too never did so till rather recently. I began observing the birds in the region. My family started placing water in the balcony considering that Dubai is a desert with extreme climatic conditions and water is an absolute necessity for these birds. As days passed, birds started coming into our balcony and soon got accustomed to the surroundings.

We then started, placing a container of food as well. As the climate moderated a little, we bought in plants of different kinds and birds started flocking. Today we have a nest in the balcony with the continuous cooing of birds all day.

It was 3 days back, when the weather took a turn in Dubai and we experienced quite heavy rain in many areas. I took my camera and went out in the rain to capture a few clicks. I managed to get some really interesting pictures of birds up close as they took shelter in various places and looked for food.

Do have a look at them.

Also, the UAE?s geographical position halfway between Europe and Asia coupled with its fine weather means that the UAE is on a major migration route for birds travelling from Asia to Africa and vice versa, as well as having many species that live here year round.

And with the International Migratory Bird Day on May 4^th just around the corner, it is time we sneak out of our houses and look out for some really rare birds that you just might be able to see. I was lucky enough to the spot the Hoopoe/ HudHud and a tall white bird, that looked really graceful, though I still have to figure out its name and species. I didn?t manage to get pictures of them but u just might, so keep looking!