Bird conservation

When was the last time you spotted a sparrow? Hard to remember, isn’t it? Good news is you can too help in conserving the endangered bird!

From a unique variety of potatoes that grow on the soil instead of under it, to green beans that grow 1.5 feet long, the last six years have seen the family experiment with new types of crops and plants in their backyard.

Chilika today is the finest bird sanctuary in India, and among the richest ecosystems in the world. But Chilika yesterday was a different story altogether.

Delhi-based environmentalist Rakesh Khatri, Founder of the NGO Eco Roots, teaches children to make artificial nests for birds.

Dr. Salim Ali's love for birds was so well known that once a cartoon strip mentioned him by saying, ‘Come, let’s fly a little low; if we are lucky we may be able to spot Salim Ali!’ His poetic descriptions of birds and love for them was unmatched. He would go to deserted islands just to listen to their songs. Take a tour of two beautiful bird sanctuaries named after him with Gangadharan Menon as he remembers the legend.

While in many cities we are seeing a heavy decrease in the number of birds, this village sets an example of how birds and humans can co-exist in complete harmony. Chirping birds of rare species in your backyard, several nests on each tree - Kokrebellur is a delightful sight. Know more about the amazing village and its conservation efforts.