Birds in My Indian Garden by Malcolm MacDonald [Paperback]

Birds in My Indian Garden by Malcolm MacDonald is a captivating and beautifully written account of the birdlife in Delhi, India. First published several decades ago, this classic work has now been re-released in a new, completely reset edition, allowing a fresh generation of readers to enjoy MacDonald’s remarkable observations and vivid descriptions of the avian world.

The book provides an intimate look at the lives of the birds that inhabit Delhi’s gardens, parks, and urban spaces. MacDonald’s keen eye and eloquent prose bring to life the personalities and daily dramas of these creatures, from their courtship rituals and nest-building to their struggles for survival against predators. He describes over a dozen species with enthusiasm and attention to detail, including mynahs, drongos, sunbirds, crows, sparrows, kites, and the charming white-eye, which he describes as a "dapper little creature" with distinctive white rings around its eyes, giving it a quirky, spectacles-wearing appearance.

MacDonald’s writing is full of warmth, humor, and admiration for these birds, making the book a delightful read for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. His observations also reveal the complex, often dramatic interactions between birds and their environments, including their efforts to protect their young and compete for resources.

Birds in My Indian Garden is a masterpiece that offers readers an evocative and insightful look into the fascinating world of urban birds, celebrating their beauty, ingenuity, and resilience.