IN THE NAME OF SPARROW
Yes, they were integral part of domestic life in a family of Orientation ,ever since one gained consciousness.
In the course of primary socialisation during the formative years,it was a common sight to see these cute,harmless,flying creatures,chirping, jumping and producing soothing sound in the courtyard. Of course,Crows too would come and indulge in a fly in and “snatch” game.Invariably, my late Amma and late Didi would throw grains daily at the tiny birds, named Sparrows or Gauraiya.
Signs Of Extinction
As time passes by, their number has begun dwindling with rush and crush psyche of humans, getting a priority.Our close proximity with these birds was upto 1995-97,if one is not sounding senile.
Change of Abode
Their beauty & charm re- appeared in our new, modest abode in NOIDA in the fading summer of 2020.Extremely shy and sensitive,a few of them would enter our balconies,sit in, look here & there for barely ten seconds, ultimately to pick up speed(average 30 kmsph) at the drop of hat on seeing the “chasers”or “intruders”.
A Favorable Scenario
Monsoon arrived,bringing more than average rain for a month which augmented growth of vegetation,a development that normally suits Sparrows and other species of flora & fauna.
To begin with,with a view to attract and cajole,D.T.,my Boss would show generosity by offering raw rice in a plate.This trick or practice outlived its utility with the onset of winter.Cool breeze began blowing all over. A write up revealed that grown up Sparrows may or may not pick up rice or maize,may have some inclination for Jowar& Bajra but their favoured activity was frequently flying to the nearest green area ,so that minute insects could be picked up to feed their newborns.
Warm Weathèr
For nearly two to three months ,one pair of healthy Sparrows,later christened Bili and Dini( husband & wife) disappeared into oblivion to resurface by March on sensing warm weather.
To the utter surprise of we two old(?) and haggard fellows,one nest built by Bili & Dini was intact in upper corner portion of master bed room balcony.On the contrary,the nest of other Sparrow couple located on top of guest room balcony was also existing but same was concealed from our evil and naked eyes.
Second couple may not be seen every day but whenever sound of their chirping was audible, I would rush but they would prefer to maintain a safe distance.
Blessing of A Baby
Another month elapsed.Soon it was discovered that Bili & Dini had been blessed with a baby.Their urge,propensity and speed for getting feed for the new borns naturally increased.The other Sparrow couple preferred to remain issue less.Apart from fetching minor insects,both Bili and Dini,turn by turn would stand guard at the entrance of the nest, so that no intrusion took place.No sooner than latter, when heat abated,one got a signal that tiny fellows had become fit to fend for themselves.
Soon a sort of pleasant surprise surfaced in scorching heat situation when both Bili and Dini began giving signs of being thirsty.They were spotted time & again sipping water from overflow of two flower pots.Having sensed their latest desire,I began arranging fresh water.One would see to it that the pot in question never remained dry even at night.
Friendly With Fauna,Distance
With Fellow Beings
It is a matter of immense pleasure if not entertainment that one is occupied with them in the first part of the day.Sharing their photos & videos is turning out to be a hobby.It was read somewhere that birds & animals too have a social life.With such a belief,we have begun attempting a sure and certain relationship with one of the couples.
Element of proximity, as such, has shrunk when neighbours in general have begun maintaining a safe distance for the fear of getting infected with Covid-19. This also has led to a rise in use of Cell phone ,thus enabling sharing of Joy’s & sorrows,losses and bouts of Covid anxiety and fluctuating vital statistics.
Over a period of time the Sparrows have become as friendly as colorful birds of a Bird sanctuary of Singapore.I wish we could talk in a common language.
Use of World Fora
As their number is approaching towards extinction,it becomes our bounden duty to protect them and ensure that their “tribe” multiplies.
The World Environment Day or the Week is the correct forum in this direction.The initiative to observe World Sparrow Day on 20th March needs to be made more popular to strengthen the necessary and ultimate bond between selfish human beings and relatively innocent species of fauna.
Incidently, close on the heels of World Sparrow Day, the then Chief Minister of NCT, Delhi,Smt Shiela Dixit had declared sparrows as the State Bird of Delhi in 2012.
However, our lust for more and more rapid industrialisation & urbanisation, coupled with annual burning of Parrali, mushrooming of mobile towers and cruising & swanky automobiles etc.,Are’ nt we sending wrong signals?
Let us try to introspect rationally to improve the prospect of flora and fauna,whose bonafide habitat we encroach upon shamelessly, day in and day out.
Dr.Aaloc Srivastav,
Ex-Chief Secretary,Sikkim
