The only beauty that matters
This narrative follows a vain red-crested pochard named Ruddy who lives on a lake in West Bengal and prides himself on his celebrity status among birdwatchers. Despite warnings from other resident birds, Ruddy isolates himself from the flock in a misguided attempt to gain more attention from human visitors.
Why it matters
The story serves as a fable about the dangers of vanity and the importance of community and humility in nature.
H idden in the small village of Purbasthali in West Bengal was a large crescent-shaped lake. In winter, it was transformed into a carnival of birds. Naturally it attracted bird lovers who came there to get a glimpse of these exquisite beauties from faraway lands. Especially the beautiful red-crested pochard that came all the way from Europe.
Ruddy, a young red-crested pochard, had come to the lake the previous winter. He was aware of his species’ celebrity status among the birds. His large round orange head swelled with pride. “Birdwatchers come to see and photograph us,” he declared, as he shoved past a Purple Swamphen feeding on insects.
“There’s enough food for everyone for everyone,” she snapped, as Ruddy swam by. “We care about our winter guests.”
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