Tidal Companions showcases the different animals and birds seen on the beach.
Tidal Companions—As people live nearby the beach, the domestic animals which they are breeding or other animals, which include cats, cows, goats, and dogs, are an integral part of the local community, adding life to the otherwise silent beach. As companions and contributors to the beach’s vibrant atmosphere, the chapter highlights the significance of these creatures in the ecosystem of the beach. Their presence lends a sense of homeliness to the magnificent scene and helps the chapter convey the coziness and familiarity of seaside community life.
Beachside Strays Cats find solace on the sand, moving through the calm beach.
In the natural coastal landscape, cows and goats roam freely along the sandy shores, often herded by local families. They wander the shoreline, resting in the sand, their presence adding to the beach’s charm. Unbothered by the waves, they blend seamlessly into the coastal scenery.
Survivors Stray cats scour the beach for food, momentarily locking eyes with the camera as they navigate their daily struggle.
Shoreline Grazing As the tide rises, cows calmly graze on the beach, blending with the natural rhythm of the coast.
Dogs and their puppies are a common sight, playing in the sand or lounging by the waves. A mother dog watching over her puppy adds a heartwarming touch. In one touching moment, a local boy bonds with the puppies, embraced by the mother dog as part of her family. This playful exchange symbolizes the warmth of community and the deep human-animal connection. The boy and puppies share the simple joys of seaside life, making the beach even more beautiful.
Adaptation A goat navigates the rocky shore, adjusting to its surroundings for food.
Tenacity The mother dog running stays focused behind its puppy.
Apart from the local domestic animals, other migratory birds in Kerala are also seen here in the respective seasons.
Family in motion The puppy runs happily through the sand, its mother keeping a watchful eye, while the owner lifts it into the air.
Ponnani Beach nature and other coastal areas of Kerala serve as a temporary shelter for migratory birds each year as they escape the harsh winters in their northern territories. These birds move to South India’s warmer temperature after flying great distances from places like Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. Kerala is a great place for these bird migrants to halt because of its wetlands and rich coastal ecosystems. These coastlines often host many migratory birds, including gulls, terns, sandpipers, and other shorebirds.
Foreigners Seagulls gather along the shoreline along the lighthouse in the distance.
Lift A seagull begins its ascent, spreading its wings wide as it prepares to take off from the shoreline
During the winter, gull behavior and adaptation become particularly interesting, as they travel south, frequently arriving between November and March. They eat fish, insects, and even scavenge in coastal communities, demonstrating their extreme adaptability. It’s typical to see both adult and juvenile gulls during this period, each with its own unique patterns of feathers. In order to blend in with their surroundings and protect themselves from predators, juvenile gulls usually have mottled brown and grey feathers. Their feathers gradually transform into the more recognizable adult grey and white hues.
Momentum A seagull gains speed on the, pushing forward with powerful strides as its wings move downward.
Take off seagull propels itself forward, its wings rising in a straight position as it pushes off the wet sand.
Different prey fall into the gulls’ grasp, including on land, in the water, and even in the air. Their seabird foraging techniques include dipping while perched on water, foot paddling, or swimming in tight circles to bring marine invertebrates to the surface. Another way to find food is to search the ground, usually among rocks, dirt, or sand on the shore. Gulls may also paddle on their feet in shallow water. Dropping heavy clam and mussel shells onto hard surfaces is one way to capture creatures. Older birds have higher success rates than younger ones. Gulls’ late maturity could thus be attributed to the time necessary to gain foraging skills.
Wingbeat Rhythm Seagull flaps its wings in steady beats, gaining momentum as it flies.
Stroll A young seagull takes a leisurely walk along the shoreline, with the foamy waves rolling in behind.
Local birds often take advantage of migratory species’ unfamiliarity with the area. Crows, known for their intelligence, watch migratory birds to find food or steal prey, a behavior called kleptoparasitism. They frequently interact with sandpipers, terns, and gulls, sometimes competing for fish while scavenging. Though gulls and crows quarrel, both are skilled foragers who find enough to survive.
Young Flyer A juvenile seagull takes off from the beach, navigates through the open sky.
Endless flight Seagulls return to their nests, flying gracefully against the colorful backdrop of dusk.
Despite moments of competition, both groups coexist peacefully. Local species briefly adapt to migrating birds before finding balance again, showcasing nature’s resilience. Wishing them smooth skies and safe journeys as they explore new horizons. Happy travels, dear seagulls.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are the copyright of Arun Narayanan T Palakkad and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film. Their reproduction is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
