THE PARTRIDGES

               Partridges are dove-like  birds with pale green plumage that are generally seen in the hilly regions and are called "harada" in Odia language. They are seen in large numbers on the age-old banyan trees at Raikia, in front of the Government U.P School. While walking under the banyan trees  I  see them nibbling at or relishing the succulent sweet berries with contentment. While eating overripe berries ,a large number of those red tiny fruits fall off their beaks to the ground that are  usually guzzled by the stray cattle.

                During my school days, I would watch them perching high up on the trees in perfect camouflage enjoying their freedom. I had often seen  retired army men or cops shooting at the partridges in the  morning hours. Even though, most of them were elusive, some unlucky ones could hardly escape, but  dropped to the ground by their  gun shots. People know that their meat is a gourmand's delight. Now, people have become aware of the Wild Life Protection Act, so the poaching has almost stopped.

(Writer- Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nayak )