Winter is the chirpiest season. Birds from far and further away make awe-inspiring journeys to India. But between climate change and local habitat loss, this winged tourism is hurting. So is domestic avifauna diversity. True, there are credible efforts underway to be more hospitable to birds. But what is really needed is a systematic countrywide programme to monitor and help them.

Odisha’s 12 avi-protectors | A dozen local women decided to do something about poaching and pollution harming migratory traffic to the Arachandi wetland.They exemplify how a small group can make a big impact. Sightings of the Ruddy Shelducks that are always seen in pairs, also underline the delight of human-bird dynamics. But in Nagpur the Bar-Headed Geese from Mongolia are running late, as did annual visitors from colder climes to Punjab’s wetlands.

Generalist advantage | The State of India’s Birds 2023 report indicates that generalist birds, which can live in multiple habitats, are doing well. But specialists are much more threatened. For example, the White-bellied Woodpecker who lives in the old-growth forests of the Western Ghats.

eyond beauty | Birdsong is so calming. Their collective flights are so inspiring. But this is not just about our therapeutic needs. Or aesthetics. Bird conservation is a critical proxy of climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Healthier cities have healthier birds. Only, don’t be deceived by lots of birds of one kind. The key metric is biodiversity.

Source: Timesofindia.indiatimes.