When we were kids, we would see a lot of sparrows (known as Gubbi in Kannada); some of them would nest inside our house. Our elders would instruct us to not disturb the nests/not scare the sparrows. A handful of grains was sprinkled at the courtyard for these birds to eat. Humans and sparrows lived in harmony.
Due to excess urbanisation and increase in noise levels/pollution, the house sparrows have been driven out of their natural habitat. These birds have abandoned our houses and gardens. We'll have to visit villages and quieter places to spot a sparrow. One day when we walked through the roads of Shivajinagar, Bangalore, we saw several sparrows feeding on grains. What a delightful sight that was!
This bird has been declared as the State Bird of Delhi. Several efforts have been made to invite the house sparrows. See Campaign to save the House Sparrow, Saving the house sparrow, and Luring sparrows back with colour. Efforts are being made to install nests to attract the sparrows.
The World House Sparrow Day is celebrated on March 20. See World House Sparrow Day.
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| A few sparrows spotted at Coorg |
Regards,
Asha
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