|
‘Wing’ing them back
A rather dismal scenario. Can we do something about it? Is it really practical to suggest
that we must change our lifestyle to make cities more liveable for the birds? Can we carve
out more space for birds in our cities, when there is hardly any available even for human
beings?
Nah…But we can share our habitat with them
again. Provided we plan our cities keeping in mind its avian dwellers as well. Here are
some ‘do-able’ ideas. |
|
 Built for birds
 Return of the
nightjarThe nightjar, a once endangered
nocturnal bird, has made a come-back in the North York Moors in England. Their numbers
have increased by 250 per cent in the last 12 years. Traditionally, nightjars nested on
shrubs but when this habitat declined, their numbers went on a tailspin. But now they have
returned in replanted forest areas, which provide shelter and plenty of insects for food. |
Leave the water bodies alone: green
patches, hedges, bushes, parks, trees, even building crevices—if they are located
near a lake or a pond, they form the ideal living space for all kinds of birds. So as we
expand our cities, we can try to keep these precious sites untouched. They not only
sustain birds, but all living creatures, including human beings!
Opt for clusters: a group of small buildings built around
a central space or a walk way is known as a cluster design. This kind of architecture
ensures a lot more open space, in contrast to the run-of- the mill strategy of
constructing a large building right at the centre of the site. And more open area ensures
more birds..
Preserve natural vegetation, as much as possible—often
shrub layers, small plots of trees and and green patches are cleared out to make way for
buildings. Sometimes they are even replaced by artificial fibres! This spells disaster for
the birds. Because dead plant material, and other woodland debris
harbor insects—the food that birds need to survive.
Avoid placing structures on ridge tops: birds tend to follow these routes during migration. Every
year millions of birds are killed when they strike power lines, windows, and towers.
Ok, this is food for thought for all of you—the future architects, town planners
and ecologists. But that is the future. You can play a very important role in helping our
feathered citizens even now.
Go organic. Manage pests by using neem,
turmeric, garlic or plants like marigold and chrysanthemum. Use waste material like dead
leaves, coconut fibre, peanut husk, left over food, instead of chemicals.
Anaikatty’s haven
In Anaikatty, near Coimbatore, children have taken up the cudgels for the birds. These
young ornithologists have made mud pots with holes as nesting places in gardens and
buildings across the town. They have also built bamboo fences and bridges around these
structures. |
Grow a green thumb: Grow small shrubs and grass in
balconies. Preferably local grass varieties.
Grow food: You can plant fruit-bearing tomatoes,
onions and tulsi in earthen or old plastic trays, in terraces or balconies.
Offer nest options: Can be done by hanging matkas
or clean boxes in balconies or window knobs. Keeping some clean water and a handful of
grains will certainly help!
Keep them safe: make the space off-limits for cats
or dogs—they are predators after
all!
| It’s not so difficult really. A little more
effort and….the Hemants of the future may still be able to fill up their scrap books
with a rainbow of feathers. |
|
