March 20 is observed as World Sparrow Day every year since 2009, to create awareness of the house sparrows and other birds to the rapidly changing environments, and of threats to their populations. Sparrows, the beautiful little chirpy creatures are now seen in very fewer places. The World Sparrow Day is an initiative of the Nature Forever Society of India and other International Organizations across the World.
The World Sparrow Day provides a platform where people who are working on the conservation of the sparrow and other common birds can network, collaborate and exchange conservation ideas which will lead to better science and improved results. This day helps in spreading the awareness on the need of conserving common biodiversity or species of lower conservation status. Recent surveys have shown that their numbers are declining.
Nature Forever Society (NFS)
- The NFS has been working for the conservation of house sparrows and other common flora and fauna since 2006.
- NFS was Started by Mohammed Dilawar.
- NFS’ efforts made house sparrow, the state bird of Delhi.
- NFS’ Project Save Our Sparrow received recognition from the Guinness Book of World records for the highest distribution of bird feeders in the world.
Here are few things you can do to save Sparrows
- The easiest thing one can do is to put bird feeders outside your house.
- Put water bowls during summer season outside their houses for birds to re-hydrate.
- Grow more plants as this may encourage some birds, who are common to that habitat, to come back.
- Talk to people living around your society to create awareness about sparrows.
- Discourage the use of excessive insecticides and pesticides in gardens.