We all read a lot about the rapidly decreasing number of the little chirpy sparrows.There was a time not very long back when this bird practically lived with us in our homes.Early in the morning their flock picking on the grains in the open courtyard used to be a common site but now they appear to be on the verge of extinction.
We are aware of the problem and we want to bring them back in our lives, in our homes. Thought provoking sessions, discussions are being conducted at various levels to determine the reasons of the sparrows flying away from our lives, our vicinities. I think the two very obvious reasons are ---shrinking of the open spaces in our homes and non availability of large quantity of the whole grains in our homes.
From my childhood I remember sparrows in large number landing in the open area in home and picking on the grains .These grains were not specially sprinkled to feed them but were scattered there the previous day during the various activities of cleaning, washing and drying of the wheat, pulses and grams extra. They were never awry of human presence around them and used to leave after eating their share. During day time also few of them were seen flitting in and out but specially those who had their eggs/kids in the nests on near by trees. The co-existence was mutually fulfilling.'aangan me gauraiya' birds in the courtyard was considered a good omen indicating that the house has enough storage of grains for the family members as well as the guests. Now due to our changed life style, we lead a shuttered existence, living in boxes and eating out of packets does not leave much scope for our winged friends entering our lives and homes. The climatic changes, pollution, changing sky lines of ever increasing cityscape, receding greenery.....there are many reasons for the sparrows to fly away in search of a better and more open place for themselves.
Number of sparrows visiting our terrace has also gone down considerably. A few months back there came about 10 to 15 sparrows together to eat the millet kept for them.while three or four sat on the pot eating others perched on the railing of terrace in a queue as if waiting for there turn but for last few days only a pair visit us in the morning.Where have all of them gone? I feel the disturbance caused due to white washing and painting might have compelled them to fly away. Did they miss the usual quiet and peace? have they sensed the unfamiliar presence? Whatever may be the reason we sorely miss their chorus of chirping. Besides that sparrows have a way to be part of your life.We usually put the grains in the pot quite early in the morning but if at all we missed it or were late in getting up, they used to sit on the wire in a row and started calling with such insistence that we have to rush out to cater to their rightful demand.
Today 22.05.12 no birds came except this pair of sparrow. Is it the pair who now a days frequents the nest in the open space in front of our kitchen.? can't say .But at least it's presence keeps the hope alive.
The pair of sparrow......our regular visitor......
We are aware of the problem and we want to bring them back in our lives, in our homes. Thought provoking sessions, discussions are being conducted at various levels to determine the reasons of the sparrows flying away from our lives, our vicinities. I think the two very obvious reasons are ---shrinking of the open spaces in our homes and non availability of large quantity of the whole grains in our homes.
From my childhood I remember sparrows in large number landing in the open area in home and picking on the grains .These grains were not specially sprinkled to feed them but were scattered there the previous day during the various activities of cleaning, washing and drying of the wheat, pulses and grams extra. They were never awry of human presence around them and used to leave after eating their share. During day time also few of them were seen flitting in and out but specially those who had their eggs/kids in the nests on near by trees. The co-existence was mutually fulfilling.'aangan me gauraiya' birds in the courtyard was considered a good omen indicating that the house has enough storage of grains for the family members as well as the guests. Now due to our changed life style, we lead a shuttered existence, living in boxes and eating out of packets does not leave much scope for our winged friends entering our lives and homes. The climatic changes, pollution, changing sky lines of ever increasing cityscape, receding greenery.....there are many reasons for the sparrows to fly away in search of a better and more open place for themselves.
Number of sparrows visiting our terrace has also gone down considerably. A few months back there came about 10 to 15 sparrows together to eat the millet kept for them.while three or four sat on the pot eating others perched on the railing of terrace in a queue as if waiting for there turn but for last few days only a pair visit us in the morning.Where have all of them gone? I feel the disturbance caused due to white washing and painting might have compelled them to fly away. Did they miss the usual quiet and peace? have they sensed the unfamiliar presence? Whatever may be the reason we sorely miss their chorus of chirping. Besides that sparrows have a way to be part of your life.We usually put the grains in the pot quite early in the morning but if at all we missed it or were late in getting up, they used to sit on the wire in a row and started calling with such insistence that we have to rush out to cater to their rightful demand.
Today 22.05.12 no birds came except this pair of sparrow. Is it the pair who now a days frequents the nest in the open space in front of our kitchen.? can't say .But at least it's presence keeps the hope alive.
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