| Q11. Would you like to share a story about House Sparrows from this time period? | I am attaching an article below, I wrote few years back :
Nest–Box for House-Sparrow
We are, unfortunately, witnessing rather hopelessly that most of our common birds are vanishing at an alarming rate. It is also generally observed that now-a-days, House-Sparrows do not build their nests in our Houses, for reasons not clearly known. Probably, it is due to our use of modern equipments like mobile phones, TVs, internets, etc., producing harmful high frequency waves, intolerable to them.
It is also very well known that the population of these birds is declining very fast, particularly in urban cities. And the bird may find its place in endangered-bird-list very soon if the present trend continues. Just imagine life without them?
In olden days, House-Sparrows would build their nests in our houses in the gaps of tube-light-fixtures, photo-frames, ceiling-fans and wherever they would find suitable gaps. They were happily accepted and tolerated. But, in our modern age, with our posh apartments interior-decorated, we are reluctant to allow our closest-flying-friends to build their nests here. Hence, they have lost their nesting sites in urbanised dwellings. Naturally, we have an obligation to provide them a suitable habitat.
Once, one pair of House-sparrow had built their nest in the gap of the window of our drawing-room, with our help of proving them a wire-mesh platform. They do not seem to be disturbed by TV, cellphones, etc. The nest is still being used for next generations. But then, such places are limited in our apartments and the birds may take long time to accept them for the nests.
Under such circumstances, in urban areas, providing Nest-Boxes to them for building their nests in is the best way, in my opinion. I have tried them and recommended to others. Finally I came up with the successful design which is very simple and inexpensive. I wish you all to try it and enjoy breeding of the House-sparrows at your home. It will also support the noble cause of environment protection.
DESIGN OF NEST-BOX FOR HOUSE-SPARROW
The design of the Nest-Box with complete details is attached herewith. It is made up of 12mm plywood board painted from outside with water-base dull & light colour paint. It should never be painted from inside. Also, the inside surfaces should not be made smooth. The diameter of the entrance hole is important and decides which bird will likely use it. For proper ventilation, gaps are kept between top and side plates. Also ¼” holes are drilled near the lower portions. For drainage, 1/4” holes are provided to the bottom plate. For inspection, cleaning, maintenance and access, the bird-house can be opened from one side; for that, hinged door is provided to one side with locking. The bird-house may at times be occupied by an uninvited guest like, a squirrel, a mouse, a lizard, or insects. Hence, just a routine check up and cleaning is necessary.
The nest-box should not be fixed in an open area, otherwise, the bird will not do nesting for fear of predators. It should be at a hiding place, under shadow, not facing east or west and not approachable by predators like cats.
A Feeding-Table and a Water-pot can be fixed outside the kitchen-room to facilitate the birds with some food and water. The waste food like rice, roti, bread made in small pieces, spread on the feeding-table and drinking water filled in the water-pot will attract many birds. But, the nesting-box should be away from the feeding-table.
Your comments are most welcome. If you find difficulty in making your own nest-box, I can get it done from my carpenter for you. You can contact me on the cell or email.
Wishing you nice company of House-sparrows,
With regards,
- Anil Mahajan
Mob : 9822202130
anilmahajan19@yahoo.co.in
Please help them by installing bird nest boxes and
feeders. By doing so you will not only help them survive but
will also be able to watch them closely. For kids
it’s like live Animal World or Discovery Channel in your own home.
Go ahead adopt one.
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