Summary
This extract from The Fall of a Sparrow by Dr. Salim Ali shares the author’s thrilling and sometimes risky experiences as a birdwatcher and ornithologist. Salim Ali explains that birdwatching is generally peaceful, yet full of excitement, surprises, and adventures.
He describes how he often observed bird behaviour that didn’t match what was written in books — proving that nature cannot be fully explained by theory. He spent long hours hidden in the forest, photographing and studying birds.
Although birdwatching is peaceful, it is not without danger. In one incident in Parambikulam, Kerala, Salim Ali and an Austrian anthropologist, Baron Omar Rolf, came across a wild elephant (tusker). The forest guard pointed to it, and both men ran for their lives. The elephant, however, didn’t even notice them and walked away calmly. This shows that wild animals rarely attack unless disturbed or threatened.
In another adventure, while travelling through the Himalayan trail to Lake Manasarovar, Salim Ali narrowly escaped death. He was watching a Yellow-naped Yuhina bird through his binoculars, and unknowingly stepped back near a cliff. A stone slipped from under his foot, reminding him that he was just two inches away from falling into a deep valley. That incident literally made his “hair stand on end.”
Through these stories, Salim Ali highlights both the thrill and danger of birdwatching, and the joy it brings to those who love nature. He concludes that watching birds gives him peace, happiness, and inspiration — a joyful escape from worldly worries.
Textual Question–Answers
a. What is special about ornithology?
Ornithology, the study of birds, is peaceful yet full of adventure, excitement, and discovery. It brings great joy to those who love nature.
b. Is there any difference between what we read in books about birds and their real life?
Yes. The behaviour of birds in real life is often different from what is written in books. Salim Ali observed unusual habits that were not mentioned in textbooks.
c. On what occasion can elephants be dangerous? Why?
Elephants can be dangerous when they are rogues (wild and violent) or females with calves, as they become protective and aggressive.
d. What was the impact of the construction of the Parambikulam Dam?
The dam submerged the entire Parambikulam area, destroying its beautiful landscape and forest habitat.
e. What was the sight the forest guard pointed to?
The forest guard pointed toward the head of a wild tusker (male elephant) approaching them on the same path.
f. How did Salim Ali react when he saw the tusker?
He quickly turned and ran as fast as he could, signalling his companion Omar to do the same.
g. Do animals always attack when they encounter human beings?
No. Animals usually do not attack unless they feel threatened or disturbed. In this story, the tusker simply walked away without noticing them.
h. What made Salim Ali’s hair stand on end?
When he realised that he was standing just two inches from the edge of a deep cliff while watching a bird, the shock and fear made his hair stand on end.
Let’s Rewind (Page 135)
1. Why does the author say that ‘the birds had not read the textbooks’?
Because he found that birds often behaved differently from what the textbooks described, showing that nature cannot always be predicted or controlled by human knowledge.
2. Why do people engage in such adventurous but challenging activities like birdwatching?
Because birdwatching gives excitement, peace, and joy. It helps people connect with nature and observe its wonders closely, even though it may be risky.
3. Narrate the incident of the Yellow-naped Yuhina.
While observing the Yellow-naped Yuhina bird through binoculars on a narrow Himalayan trail, Salim Ali stepped back unknowingly and almost fell off a cliff. He realised he was only two inches from the edge, which terrified him. This taught him the importance of being alert in nature.
Let’s Recall and Recreate (Page 136–137)
Activity 1 – Forest Guard’s Instructions
Instructions the forest guard might have given:
- Walk silently and avoid sudden movements.
- Do not go near wild animals or their young ones.
- Keep a safe distance from elephants and never provoke them.
- Wear dull-coloured clothes to blend with the forest.
- Carry no food with strong smell — it attracts animals.
- Always follow the guide and stay on marked trails.
- Do not litter or make noise in the forest.
- Be alert for sudden sounds or animal signs.
Activity 2 – Speech: Memorial Lecture for Induchoodan (Birdman of Kerala)
Speech (Model Answer):
Good morning everyone,
It’s a great honour to speak today in memory of Induchoodan, our beloved Birdman of Kerala. As a fellow birdwatcher, I am deeply inspired by his life, which reminds me of the great Salim Ali, the Birdman of India.
Both of them shared an unending love for birds and nature. In his essay “Trills and Thrills,” Dr. Salim Ali beautifully describes his experiences in Parambikulam and the Himalayas — moments of fear, joy, and discovery. He teaches us that real happiness lies in watching birds and protecting their habitats.
Induchoodan followed this path with passion. He spent his life studying Kerala’s rich bird life, spreading awareness about the need to conserve them.
Let us all promise today to carry forward their legacy — by protecting forests, preserving birds, and inspiring others to enjoy nature peacefully.
Thank you.
Activity 3(a) – Features of a Birdwatcher’s Diary
| Feature Identified | Evidence in Sample Diary |
| Date and Time | 24 December 1983 – 3:50 p.m. |
| Weather Condition | “Sky overcast: Slight drizzle” |
| Size of the Bird | “Similar to Pallid Harrier” |
| Species of the Bird Sighted | “Pied Harrier” |
| Location | “Over the paddy fields near the lake” |
| Features / Movements | “Sailing over water hyacinth, disturbing Cattle Egret, then flying high into the sky.” |
| Reference to Other Birds | “A marsh harrier tried to swoop at it.” |
Activity 3(b) – Birdwatcher’s Diary (Your Own Entry)
Date: 15 November 2024
Time: 6:30 a.m.
Place: Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala
Weather: Clear morning sky, mild sunlight
Species: Broad-tailed Grass Warbler
Size: Small (about the size of a sparrow)
Observation:
I spotted the Broad-tailed Grass Warbler fluttering above tall grass near the edge of the lake. It had a long, broad tail and soft brown feathers. It perched briefly on a blade of grass and made a thin “tsee-tsee” call. The bird seemed active, hopping quickly between grasses. A few mynas and drongos were nearby, but the Warbler remained alone, feeding quietly on insects.
Activity 4 – Web Page Content: Tourist Attractions of Your Village/City
Title: Discover My Hometown – A Heaven for Bird Lovers
Welcome to Kottayam, a beautiful green district of Kerala surrounded by rivers, paddy fields, and backwaters. The Vembanad Lake attracts hundreds of migratory birds every winter, such as Siberian Ducks, Pintails, and Terns.
You can visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island, and nearby wetlands where birds like the Purple Heron, Cormorant, and Kingfisher live. The best time to visit is between November and February.
Our village tourism board promotes eco-friendly birdwatching tours, photography camps, and awareness programmes to protect bird habitats. Join us to explore the melody of wings and colours in the sky!
Activity 5 – Write-up: Bird Wealth of Kerala
Write-up:
Kerala is blessed with rich biodiversity and is home to several bird sanctuaries that attract both native and migratory birds.
Some famous sanctuaries include:
| Sanctuary | Habitat to | Migratory Birds |
| Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary | Over 300 bird species like Racket-tailed Drongo, White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Grey Hornbill | Migratory species from Sri Lanka and the Himalayas |
| Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary | Water birds such as Herons, Egrets, and Kingfishers | Siberian Stork, Pintail, Teal, Tern |
| Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary | Coastal and mangrove habitats | Sandpipers, Seagulls, Plovers |
| Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary | Urban wetland habitat | Migratory ducks, Cormorants, and Egrets |
Need for Conservation:
Birds play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Rapid urbanisation and deforestation threaten their survival. Conserving wetlands, banning plastic, and protecting forests can ensure the safety of these precious creatures.
It is our duty to love and protect them — for when birds vanish, the songs of nature fall silent.
Message / Theme
The lesson Trills and Thrills shows that nature offers both beauty and adventure. Birdwatching teaches patience, courage, and respect for life. Salim Ali reminds us that true joy lies in observing nature closely and protecting its delicate balance.
Would you like me to now prepare this same lesson in a continuous “activity file version” (without headings and tables) — exactly formatted for neat handwritten submission?