| Q11. Would you like to share a story about House Sparrows from this time period? | More than 300 sparrows were spotted in different parts of the
capital city in a recent survey conducted by the Travancore Natural
History Society.
The survey was done as part of World Sparrow Day — celebrated on March
20 — and it concluded on March 25.
The largest population of house sparrows — 148 — was recorded in
Palayam Market. While 53 birds were seen in the Chala region, 52 birds
were seen at Attakkulangara. Beemapally had 41 birds while
Shankumugham had 11 birds. Other areas where the birds were sighted
include Karamana (14), Ulloor-Medical College (6) and Valiathura (5).
Only four sparrows were spotted in the Medical College-Kazhakuttam
region.
“Contrary to expectations, no sparrows were observed around the
various granaries in the city. The number of birds observed at the
Central Railway station, Thampanoor and Medical College Campus was
less compared to last year's count. It was really encouraging to
observe that the nesting pots installed by the Writers Forum
Trivandrum at Palayam market were being used by the birds…” an email
sent to The Hindu by the society read.
Local people at survey sites gave the impression to society members
that there had been a significant reduction in the number of sparrows
observed over the last two decades. The note said this decline was
attributable to the fact that there was an artificial scarcity of food
grains, thanks to the polythene bag culture and lack of adequate
facilities for nesting. Wholesale shops and other petty shops which
earlier had gunny grain bags were now offering grains and pulses
wrapped in plastic.
The Society is planning to distribute birdbaths and nesting pots in
the coming season, the note added.(The Hindu) |
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