When I got to know that March 20, 2010 is ‘observed’ as World House Sparrow Day, it was a sad feeling. I love nature and birds, and Sparrows are my favorite birds! I absolutely adore them!
Growing up, sparrows were plenty in the backyard. Fondly called ‘Gubbachhi’ in Kannada, their chirpy, cute ways endeared them to us. Somehow, my mind is finding it hard to accept that today their numbers are declining and we need to set aside a ‘day’ to remind us of their existence and help conserve them. We seem to be so consumed by the lifestyle of this age, that we are ignorant of our surroundings. It is almost as if we wake up, and realize that we are on the verge of losing our eco wealth, that we then, take notice and try to make amendments. Couldn’t we have raised our voices when our trees were cut down to widen the roads, or skyscrapers built in the name of ‘development’?
Sparrow: Image source: www.worldhousesparrowday.org
At the current rate of our biodiversity degradation, it will not be surprising if there is an increase in the ‘Awareness days’ observed. I do hope we proactively protect other flora and fauna and pray the day never comes where we have to ‘observe’ days for their conservation.
That said, here is some information about World House Sparrow Day. This is the inaugural year of the World House Sparrow Day. World House Sparrow Day is an initiative of Nature Forever Society. Mr. Dilawar Mohammad started the Nature Forever Society and is spearheading this initiative.
The central theme for the introductory year of World House Sparrow Day is “Help House Sparrows,” which aims to highlight the reasons for the decline of the species due to the lack of nesting sites, food, effects of pesticides, microwave pollution and how we can help them in fighting against these odds.
I had written about his work in an earlier post Shelter for Sparrows. Their website provides interesting conservation ideas. Ms.Rohini Ramakrishnan has a informative article on Sparrows. Definitely worth a read!
Let us all do what we can to conserve our biodiversity. Being aware of our natural resources and leading a lifestyle that does not adversely impact creatures around us is important. Nature is precious.
Adarsh, you are going to be SOOO busy when you return to India….there are so many causes that need your help.
I do not know if you have been following the news in Stillwater MN, they have been wanting to build a new bridge forever…but just last week, the judge ruled in favor of the Sierra Club. He Sierra Club states that this construction would disrupt the scenic beauty of the river and quicken contamination of the Lower St. Croix. river. I was thrilled that the Sierra Club won!
I look forward to seeing what projects you will get involved in when you return home. luv u
I too love Birds,specially House Sparrows.Each one of us should do something for the conservation of Nature,As a N S S officer i contributed in a little way for the conservation of Nature by planting few Trees in our college campus.
Sir, small deeds done by numerous individuals will definitely help us be in harmony with nature. Thank you for the comment.