“Balima”

       I finally saw my namesake, balima- the bird.  I had grown tired of disappointing people daily when they asked me if I had seen the little, red bird yet.  I had heard there were many in the millet shambas and each time I rode my bike to school to teach, I kept my eyes peeled along the way, but to no avail- until this week. 

      I was busy washing clothes when all these kids came running up.

      “Balima!  You have to come now!  There are balima birds nearby!”  I dropped what I was doing and raced off with them.  As we headed towards the shambas, curious people joined us and pretty soon a fairly large group had formed.  We ran through the maze of crops, past rows and rows of corn and millet.  Everyone was excited.  Finally, we came to a stop.  The chatter ceased and the procession started to creep along quietly.  After a little bit we halted and without a word I was shuffled to the front of the line.  I peered into the tall stalks of millet and there they were, exactly how my villagers had been telling me since I arrived in August.  Two balimas, small, red with black chests, perched atop the millet and swayed gently with the breeze.  Just beautiful.  I held my breath.  It was truly a moment I will never forget.  Not sure why, but it was a bit emotional, too.

      We all watched the birds in silence until they flew off.  Then everyone erupted.  We laughed and everyone slapped my back and gave me high-fives.  They were so happy when I confirmed that yes, I did in fact, think the birds were beautiful.

      “We told you, we told you!” they cheered.

      Walking back home through the village, word spread quickly that I had finally seen some balimas and I was met with many smiles and people coming up to congratulate me.  While I got home, I realized I hadn’t remembered to bring along my camera like I had planned.  Then I realized that I did not care.  It was a very good day.    

I was trying to find out the English name for the balima and consulted the National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife.  I’m not 100% but I’m pretty sure a balima is also known as a Southern Red Bishop.