Birds need our help way more in the summer months than at any other time during the year because birds breed in the spring and early summer. For sparrows, pigeons, crows and doves, feeding stations at houses provide a real lifeline. Not only can we all initiate saving these birds during the heat of the summers when the food and water is scarce, we can also help revive the bird population to a large extent.
1) One of the best ways to enjoy wildlife in the comfort of your home is to watch birds at a feeder. You'll be amazed at the variety of birds that will come to your feeder throughout the year. However, experts disagree about whether backyard bird feeding will significantly help bird populations. But feeding certainly can help individual birds in your neighborhood.
2) As the mercury soars to 38⁰C in Delhi, already, water is difficult for them to find plus the heavy construction activity in the city has not made it any easier for the birds to survive therefore placing containers of water and grain at various locations can help the birds survive the hot summer.
3) It's not necessary. Bird feeding is most helpful at times when birds need the most energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration, and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted.
4) Place bird feeders or bowls where the birds can see them from the distance. Birds are most likely to eat where they feel safe from predators, including free-roaming cats.
5) Windows that reflect the sky and trees around them or that are very transparent can confuse the birds, causing them to see a clear flight path, rather than an obstruction.
6) Feed your birds with fruits, bajra, rice, chapatis and nuts. But avoid giving moldy breads since they can toxic for the harmless birds. You can also leave out cooked vegetables, pastry and grated cheese, but avoid salty food as that could be bad for birds.
7) While some can contribute by way of food grains, others could help in building little holdings of water for the birds to drink. Efforts like this therefore should be made at every household or workplace.
Every day, more and more wildlife habitat is lost to the spread of development. But you can help wild animals in urban and suburban areas by offering them sanctuary in your own backyard or garden or balcony, no matter how small and then enjoy the company of your wild neighbors in your house.
Photo by Ritika Acharya.
