At a time when trees are felled in large numbers forcing birds to go in search of concrete structures to build nest, a four acre farm in Kalipalayam village near Mettupalayam proves to be a safe haven for the winged visitors.
The lush green farm owned by K.S. Anbushelvam is frequented by sparrows, mynas, and owls, as they not only get food and water here, but also a secure place to rest.
Mr. Anbushelvam has tied over 100 earthen pots with holes to the arecanut trees in his farm for the birds to nest in peace. “Nature without the chirping of birds is meaningless,” he says.
“It is disturbing to see that trees are extensively cut and vacant lands are turned into residential areas leaving no place for birds. The main reason for decrease in the number of sparrows is that they do not get nesting place and feed as in the olden days. We used to cultivate three-month to six-month long crops such as finger millet, sesame and foxtail millet, that sparrows feast on. The corners of tile-roofed houses were the best places for sparrows to build nest. Now most of the houses have concrete roofs, leaving little space for birds,” he says. This made him come up with the idea of tying earthen pots to the trees.
According to him, more than 10 pots in his farm are currently occupied by birds such as sparrow, myna, and owl. Squirrels are also finding the pots a cozy place to rest, he says. Birds feed on foxtail millet, pearl millet, corn and finger millet that he provides. He spends around ₹400 a day to buy grains.
Mr. Anbushelvam, who also runs a travel agency at Sivananda Colony in the city, says that his family members are very supportive in his mission. In his absence, they take charge of feeding the birds. “One doesn’t need a farm to conserve birds. Just one tree in a house will do. Tie two boxes or pots, birds will definitely come to them,” he says.
Mr. Anbushelvam is also willing to help people who want to provide a safe haven for birds in their farms or even small land holdings. He can be reached at 98422-35555.
