Are you a sparrow lover but couldn't give enough time to your ornithological interests? One can now be part of the global community of amateur bird enthusiasts who will be celebrating World Sparrow Day on March 20 by registering on www.worldsparrowday.org.
Bird lovers can register their event on the web platform which would be then posted on Google maps so that other people with similar interests can join in their efforts or they can search the closest event and participate in them.
"Since its inception in 2010, World Sparrow Day, events have been carried out across 50 countries," Mohammed Dilawar of Nature Forever Society, based in Mumbai, told PTI.
With dipping number of sparrows in the growing urban landscape, Nature Forever Society came up with idea to take World Sparrow Day to the masses to create awareness about the importance of official state bird of Delhi in the eco-system.
"The day aims to provide a meeting ground for people from different parts of the world to come together and form a force that can play an important role in advocacy and in spreading the awareness on the need of conserving common biodiversity or species of lower conservation status," Dilawar said.
People from all walks of life join the day in their own small ways to focus on the bird by organising common bird-watching, sparrow parties, sparrow picnics, sparrow processions, bird walks, sparrow-talks on social media, educational programmes, drawing and photography competitions, art exhibitions, competitions and other public events.
Once organisers register their event on the website, it will be seen on Google maps and social media and a certificate of appreciation will be given to the host, besides the event being recorded in the annual WSD report.
"We have to remember that this little magical bird that is gradually disappearing from our skies and neighbourhoods needs immediate help to survive. By bringing it back, we are safeguarding our children's future for a green and healthy environment," Dilawar said.