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A new lease for avian life

Trees are cut down to make more space for buildings and roads. As a result there has been a huge scarcity of roosting and breeding sites for birds.

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The rapidly increasing concrete jungle and widening of roads have adversely affected the ecological system of the city. Trees are cut down to make more space for buildings and roads. As a result there has been a huge scarcity of roosting and breeding sites for birds.

Keeping this in mind, noted ornithologist, Dr Sattyasheel Naik, and his son, Vishwajeet, also a bird photographer, came forward to provide artificial breeding boxes for birds. Their initiative has paid off as besides other birds, the grey hornbill has also used these boxes for breeding for the third successive year.

“Due to urbanisation and development of expressways, trees that were 100 years old have been felled on Solapur Road, Sinhagad Road and Fergusson College Road. This has led to loss of natural nesting sites. We are happy that the birds adapted themselves to the boxes we provided,” Vishwajeet told reporters recently.  Senior ornithologist Satish Pande and bird photographer Raja Purohit were present to witness the breeding site. “This is unique. I think this is the first time in India that the grey hornbill has used artificial nests for breeding,” said Pande.

“However, it also indicates that our ecosystem is being adversely affected. The birds have to rely on artificial nests as their natural habitat has been destroyed. But at least they are accepting this and are getting a new lease of life,” he added.

The Naik family has been providing artificial nests for more than 20 years. They have put up 150 boxes made of wood, plastic cans and tin boxes on the trees in their garden. Jungle and Brahminy maynas, a pair of owlets, magpie robins, parrots and pigeons have been using these artificial nests for breeding.

However, for the hornbills, the Naiks had to try several options and after much effort they managed to provide the perfect home for their winged friends. “Our next aim is to provide nests for the Alexandrine parakeet. This is a rare bird and we have observed their activity these days,” said Vishwajeet.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Purohit said, “If the Naiks succeed in their efforts, it will be a milestone in artificial breeding.”  To create awareness about environment, Vishwajeet has also designed a project, ‘Protect nature for bright future’ for nature clubs and schools.

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