(Thirsty Crow- Time Again)
The famous story of Thirsty Crow taught in early education prevails in the contemporary environmental scenario across the biodiversity network of birds and animals in many manifestations. Since summer has set in and the birds and animals are very vulnerable to the effect of drought when especially there is no precipitation and rains. Our feather friends (birds) search for natural water sources which are not easy to find as less water availability and scorching heat in summer trigger mortality of fauna.
The thematic “once upon a time a thirsty crow” story now implies in a broader context on all the birds across the canvas of nature as a common phenomenon due to drought scenario resulting in reduced groundwater recharge and hence water scarcity prevails. Therefore, not alone human are impacted by climate crisis but birds and animals are equally affected. In such scenario we as superior beings, can contribute to saving the feathered friends through easily and practicable measures as we share our environment with them all around.
From wilderness to domestic set up we have birds around us alluring our visuals and auditory senses with chirping and flying here and there making the locale more lively and animated. In a scene of silence at day time, everyone would have experienced the chirping of birds in the nearby or over farther distances.
In a move to cater for the water needs of birds in the summer days in the prevailing heat scenario it is required to reduce its impact on the birds and to ensure provision of water pots/ drinkers placed in different sites such as balconies in homes and offices, open spaces, lawns, gardens, roofs to attract the birds to quench their thirst.
The appeal has further been extended to the business community, academia and across the civil society to strengthen social connection and join hands in the summer campaign to play their individual part in placement of drinkers (water pots) at different places in the urban set up to ensure availability of water for the birds around their work places as our contribution as a Ashraful Makhluqat and to mitigate the impacts of the rising temperature in summer season on these vulnerable bio-entities.
As a matter of fact, human have intelligence and can fight against the heat however, there is a dire need that we also adopt precautions in the summer days especially working in the outdoors and for children to keep them hydrated. This initiative aiming at affordable water solution has been undertaken with the realization that birds and animals roam in search of water which cause heat stroke and stress especially in their fledglings/ off spring and finally mortality occurs in them due to dehydration, water scarcity and deprivation.
Apart from this significant aspect, the other side of the coin is yet another important outcome of the initiative in terms of medical sciences known as bird therapy. As a matter of fact, human, animals and birds are attracted towards that place or site where there is water sources so there will be their concentrated population. Mostly, birds use the water pots or utensils for drinking purposes and taking bath in them to do away with the effect of heat. As a general observation, when a water tanks overflows bird often quickly notice the point and gather around to sip water or take bath in them. When the birds find such places they get used to them and frequently visit such sites.
By observing the birds around the water points while chirping and preening provide an exclusive site-specific experience of making their presence to other birds and slowly grow their shared community of birds of different types. Watching the birds bathing, chirping and preening has a twofold magical and healing effect to reduce stress both in humans through observation and birds through using the water points. The birds often take splashes or stand in the water to cool their body which is one of the most important requirements of biological entities.
Most of the people are fond of bird watching in the outdoors and in the forest. However, this fondness can be met for other people as well at their doorstep by placing water pots to attract birds and observe them closely which contribute to mental well being and relaxation through interaction with nature. This also improves observation skills. Moreover, engagement of young generation would also ensure their attachment with the nature for a healthy nature-based lifestyle.
In wilderness, wild birds often take advantage of many types of water points such as rivers, ponds and springs which often exacerbate competition for water among diversity of birds and animals. Hence there is a need to provide water sources to the birds in urban areas to make our environment more livable and healthy with the echoing sounds of birds around us and as a means of distraction from the hustle and bustle of our routine daily life.
This sensation and soothing sounds of the little birds helps build up human light mood and refreshes his nerves in our bird friendly houses and work places. While water points are established or placed, it must be ensured to take care of regular refilling and cleanliness as water is also lost due to evaporation and bath of birds.
The time of Thirsty Crow has come again. This time they need our help to provide them with water sources easily. So in order to avoid the birds compel to search for water painstakingly, there is dire need that our little help to quench the thirst of these lovable creatures would not only count for their well being but would also serve as Sadqa Jaria for the life hereafter. Lets stand for bird united.
BY Mohammad Niaz
Conservator Wildlife
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department
Cell #: 0300-592-6652
