WHSD
If there is one bird you can remember from your childhood, it would probably be the House Sparrow. Since it lives in close proximity with humans, the House Sparrow is, for most of us, the first bird we learn to identify. Many bird watchers and ornithologists recall with fondness how the House Sparrow gave flight to their passion for observing birds.
The association goes back centuries. No other bird has been associated with the day-to-day life of humanity like the House Sparrow. It is a bird that evokes fond memories and has thus found mention in folklore and songs from time immemorial.
Till not very long ago, the House Sparrow was one of the most abundant and common birds in the world. But like all other plants and animals which were once abundant and now face a shaky future, their numbers are declining across their natural range. The reasons? Certainly, there is no one momentous reason for the decline of House Sparrow but a slew of causes. Its slow but noticeable disappearance has been labeled as one of the biggest mysteries of recent times. A leading news paper in the United Kingdom - a country that has witnessed one of the biggest declines of the House Sparrow in recent times - declared a cash prize to anyone who could solve the mystery. Needless to add, the reward lies unclaimed.
The House Sparrow is believed to be declining for various reasons ranging from the destruction of its habitat to lack of insect food for the young and even the increasing microwave pollution from mobile phone towers. (Please visit Reasons of House Sparrow Decline for more information)
A DATE WITH DESTINY?
World House Sparrow Day (WHSD), to be celebrated on 20 March 2010, will focus on raising awareness about the decline of the House Sparrow and throw light on the problems faced by the House Sparrow in its daily fight for survival.World House Sparrow Day also celebrates the common biodiversity found in and around us and draws attention to its importance. So make 20 March 2010 a day to celebrate the common birds and biodiversity around you and raise a toast to the House Sparrow,
The theme for WHSD 2010 is, We will save our House Sparrows. We invite all national organisations, NGOs, clubs and societies, universities, schools and individuals across the world to highlight WHSD 2010 by organizing awareness-raising programs, festivals or other related events on this year's topic during the weekend of 20 March 2010.
Information material for WHSD, including a new 2010 WHSD poster and website, are currently being developed by the Nature Forever Society Secretariat, WHSD Team and will be available from January 2010. For questions, feedback and possibilities regarding sponsorship of the event, please contact us at:info@worldhousesparrowday.org