Befriend a Bird
Befriend a Bird
Birds, majestic symbols of freedom, play vital roles in our ecosystem, serving as agents of dispersal and bio-indicators. With over 10,000 species worldwide, they represent a significant presence in our lives.
However, human activities have taken a toll on avian populations, with more than 500 species negatively impacted, leading to extinctions and endangerment. Factors such as cell phone tower radiation, global warming, and pollution disrupt natural ecosystems, threatening bird health and survival.
According to a study by Stanford University biologists, by 2100, up to 14 percent of bird species could face extinction, with many more on the brink. This loss poses risks to essential ecosystem processes like decomposition, pollination, and seed dispersal.
Alarmingly, one in eight bird species worldwide faces extinction threats, including familiar species from our everyday lives. The iconic peacock, India's national bird, faces poaching and pesticide threats, while sparrows vanish due to radiation from cell phone towers.
Agricultural practices contribute significantly to bird decline, endangering 87% of species, along with invasive species and urban development. Vultures, crucial for carcass disposal, suffer from pesticide exposure, with 85% in Pakistan exhibiting fatal renal failure.
In the Mediterranean, millions of songbirds fall victim to food, profit, and cruel entertainment industries. Across countries like Cyprus, Malta, and Egypt, migratory birds face mass killings for consumption.
These threats highlight the fragility of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Disruptions, no matter how small, can have far-reaching consequences. Preserving biodiversity isn't just about protecting species; it's about safeguarding the delicate balance of nature upon which our own survival depends.
Birth of Befriend a Bird
The Vedas define Dharma as the duty to protect all life forms weaker than oneself, including birds, trees, animals, and people. Despite the prevalence of temple visits, fasting, and rituals, living by this principle is rare. At Dhyan Foundation, Dharma is the cornerstone of our ethos, driving us to protect and care for all beings.
'Befriend a Bird,' an initiative born from the dedication of Dhyan Foundation volunteers, strives to create a nurturing and healthy environment for birds
Winged Wisdom
The intricacies of creation reflect a meticulously designed system where every creature, regardless of size, lives in co-dependent harmony. Birds, bestowed with the gift of flight, hold symbolic importance, often symbolizing power and freedom. They have been revered as messengers of divine entities, playing crucial roles in the fabric of creation.
Beyond their symbolic significance, birds play vital roles in ecosystems, maintaining ecological balance and serving as essential links in various food chains. As agents of dispersal, they transport seeds, fish eggs, and microorganisms, facilitating interactions among different life forms and catalyzing evolution.
Moreover, birds serve as indicators of environmental health. Changes in bird behavior can signal disruptions in ecosystems, aiding in the detection of weather patterns, pollution levels, and geological phenomena like earthquakes and storms. Their presence and behavior have been relied upon for centuries to anticipate changes and safeguard the natural world
Recently since 2021-22, our efforts reached over 10,000 birds, including pigeons, parrots, and peacocks, across 30 cities nationwide. We installed 8500+ water bowls of varying sizes and provided treatment and care to 965+ injured or stranded birds.
Our initiatives include:
Setting up feeding spots and water baths regularly replenished to support bird populations.
Collaborating with other NGOs to enhance the bird-friendly environment through coordinated efforts.
Spreading awareness about the importance of birds and how individuals and society can contribute, using platforms like social media and educational programs for school children.
Promoting backyard monitoring to increase awareness of local wildlife and empower communities to take proactive steps in bird conservation.
What you can do
