Rains destroy bird habitat, activists rescue, treat 44

City’s feathered natives are falling out of their nests as heavy rains and strong winds are destroying their habitat. Animal activists have rescued and treated over 44 birds this month, most of them juvenile chicks.

“Most birds build their nests on high trees in the beginning of this month. But with rapid devastation of their breeding habitats, most of them turn to the city trees to breed. This month alone we have treated two to three birds every day on an average,” said Nilesh Bhanage, founder of Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). 

Most rescued birds had wing injuries or fractured legs. “Some of the birds were given first aid for their wing injuries while some were treated for fractured legs and later hospitalised for rehabilitation,” he said.  

The species affected mainly include common city birds such as Cattle Egret, Common Indian Crow, Indian Myna, Indian Pond Heron, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Common Kingfisher, Barn Owls, Parakeets, Black-headed Night Heron and Rock Pigeon.

Even migratory birds, including Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher that generally comes to the city’s surrounding areas for breeding purpose in this season, was also among the rescue list.

According to activists, each year around 300 birds are rescued during this season. The Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) is currently treating several pigeons, Pond Herons, Owls etc. “During rains, chicks fall out of their nests and injure their wings. Recently, we rescued three Barn Owls and they are under treatment,” said Dr (Col) JC Khanna, secretary, BSPCA.

Once rescued and treated successfully, the birds are then let out in the wild. “If it is an endangered bird, we usually release it in front of the wildlife officials, otherwise we keep the cage open so that the birds can fly off once they are fit,” he said.