World Sparrow Day 20 March 2017

"World Sparrow Day"

Remembering World Sparrow Day: A Tale of Transformation

When I returned home from my experiences in Holland in the early 1980s, I was greeted with a strange request from my mother: get rid of a nuisance dozen sparrows who had established themselves at home within our bedroom. I set out on a mission to capture these small-winged intruders, and I managed to catch around 10 of them. I put them in a huge cage that had previously housed lovebirds.

Even decades later, recollections of that day bring a warm grin to my face. But it was the reaction of our family's youngest member, Susann, that made that day really remarkable. She questioned my plans for the sparrows, to which I said, "We're going to have sparrow pie for dinner." I had no idea how powerful that simple phrase would be.

Susann's reaction was nothing short of spectacular. She stared at me in disbelief and fell into tears as if I had just done a horrific crime. She erupted into a rant, accusing me of plotting to destroy the Almighty's defenceless animals. Her nearly frantic reaction had me in stitches, but it didn't end there. When our two house dogs sensed the noise, they went nuts, and the rest of the family barged in, demanding to know what I had done. "You're gonna make a sparrow pie!" they cried.

The scenario that occurred was like something out of a Hollywood film, with emotions ranging from fury to laughing, and even a hint of terror. Susann, on the other hand, stole the show. Her face changed from anguish to happiness and ecstasy when I finally told the truth and released the sparrows in the garden.

We had no idea that this seemingly insignificant episode would herald the start of a shift in our lives and our perspective of the world around us. Today, as we commemorate "World Sparrow Day," I can't help but think about how much the population of house sparrows has dropped over the years.

Because of this decline, I made a vow that day to positively contribute to the preservation of these once-abundant birds. I started putting nesting boxes on the outside walls of our house, giving sparrows a place to nest, rear their young and prosper.

I invite you to join me in honouring "World Sparrow Day" and recognizing the role these small creatures play in our ecosystem. While our understanding and perspective on sparrows have evolved since that fateful day, one thing remains constant – our shared responsibility to protect and conserve these remarkable birds for generations to come.

Let's celebrate our small but powerful neighbours, knowing that even small actions can make a big difference for sparrows and their environment.

To learn more about World Sparrow Day click 

"World Sparrow Day"

May they multiply and populate the earth like the stars in the sky.

World Sparrow Day Tomorrow 20 March 2024.

 Celebrate the Joyful Chirps: World Sparrow Day at Mount Abu.

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus with nesting flowers 

As the calendar approaches March 20th, 2024, the globe prepares to commemorate Globe Sparrow Day, a day dedicated to these wonderful feathered companions that brighten our skies with their presence. And among the calm highlands of Mount Abu, the occasion is especially significant.

In the charming town of Mount Abu, hidden amidst the Aravalli Range, the locals, lovingly known as Abuites, have taken on the responsibility of caring for their local sparrow population. Reflecting on my earlier posts on the sparrows of Mount Abu, it’s encouraging to watch the united efforts of Abuites to nurture and preserve these treasured birds.

World Sparrow Day.

We faithfully place daily offerings of bajra and other bird seeds strategically to increase their numbers and ensure a healthy meal for these small feathered buddies. To add to the attractiveness, little birdhouses dot the landscape, attracting sparrows to settle there and developing a community among the birds.

Decades ago, a dismal fall hovered over the sparrow population, casting a shadow on their once-frequent encounters. However, today’s optimistic revival portrays a different image. With careful attention and conservation initiatives, the sparrow population has made a promising recovery. Even the yellow-throated sparrows join in the music of nature’s orchestra as they fly across the beautiful hills.

In this spirit, we encourage residents to partake by registering their conservation efforts on www.worldsparrowday.org, creating a global network of guardians committed to protecting these.

As World Sparrow Day approaches, let us recommit our dedication to conserving the magnificent tapestry of biodiversity that surrounds our globe. In nature’s delicate balance, every flutter of a sparrow’s wing is a monument to perseverance, reminding us of our inherent connectivity. We should join forces to guarantee that the delightful melody of sparrows keeps echoing across the valleys of Mount Abu and beyond.

World Sparrow Day Tomorrow 20 March 2018.

World Sparrow Day in Mount Abu: A Success Story of Conservation

In the serene hills of Mount Abu, the community has taken remarkable steps to ensure the survival and growth of the house sparrow. Abuites, the locals of Mount Abu, make extraordinary efforts to promote the population of these charming little birds. Daily, they scatter bajra and other bird seeds in spots accessible to the sparrows, providing a consistent food source. Additionally, they create safe havens for these birds to nest and thrive by carefully placing birdhouses outside buildings.

A few decades ago, the house sparrow population faced a steep decline, raising concerns among bird lovers and conservationists. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the people of Mount Abu, their numbers have increased. Today, it’s not uncommon to hear excited exclamations from tourists, those from Gujarat, when they spot a house sparrow. Phrases like, “Juoo Juoo Chakli che... photo leg, photo ley ane gear mokal WhatsApp pur!” (Look, look, it’s a sparrow... take a photo and send it home on WhatsApp!) echo through the hills as these visitors marvel at the sight of a bird that has become a rarity in their own cities.

During a recent month-long stay in Ahmedabad, I felt a personal connection to the house sparrow. As I recorded a variety of bird species during my visit, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of sparrows—a stark contrast to the bustling avian life I was used to in Mount Abu. Imagine my joy when, about two weeks into my stay, I spotted and photographed a single sparrow. It was a moment of triumph, but also a reminder of the challenges these birds face in urban environments.

The efforts in Mount Abu are a testament to what communities can achieve when they come together for a common cause. On World Sparrow Day, let’s celebrate not just the house sparrows of Mount Abu but also the spirit of conservation that has allowed these birds to flourish once again.

 

The single House sparrow I saw while in Ahmedabad.

The population of Yellow-throated sparrows in Mount Abu has tripled in the past 5 years. Local folks call them the jungle sparrow.

 To know more about SPARROWS click World Sparrow Day