Source: City Plus (Dainik Jagran)
Ever seen the weaver bird Baya? If not go to these beautiful birds weaving nests in the vacant plot near Dwarka Court in front of Sector 10 Metro station. Environmentalists are surprised that the Baya birds have started weaving nests in the same patch of land where they did last year.
Even bird watcher and nature lover from Dwarka, Ramesh Chand, finds it surprising that when such birds are not seen even in forest areas, green areas and parks, they are seen in such a populated area near a metro station.
About the birds returning to the same land after one year, programme officer of Bombay Natural History Society, CR Naveen, said, "Bayas are birds which migrate locally. They usually return to the nesting sites of the previous year. They may or may not be the same birds that nested previously in the same area. But it is a very good sign that the land has become their favourite nesting place."
Centre manager of BNHS Sajeev TK said, "The weaver bird is one of the master architects of nature. The male birds play a major role in the site selection and making the nest. The females are invited by the males to inspect the half built nest. If they find the nest suitable they will join hands and complete the nest. Otherwise the half built nests are abandoned by the males and they try their luck with new nests. Thus the males with good nest-making skills alone will be able to breed and produce next generation. This also accounts for the large number of half built nests in a nesting site."
Senior Scientific Officer of Environment, Delhi Government BC Sabat, said, "Baya birds coming again to the same land is a good sign in favour of environment. People should go and see them to feel their importance. Parents and schools should take their kids to that particular land to show these rare birds. Involvement of community is the only way to save them as it would create pressure on the authority to make them feel the importance of fauna in the sub-city."
Important facts
The Baya's scientific name is Ploceus philippinus. Flocks of these birds are found in grasslands, cultivated areas, scrub and secondary growth and they are best known for their hanging retort shaped nests woven from leaves. These nest colonies are usually found on thorny trees or palm fronds and the nests are often built near water or hanging over water where predators cannot reach easily.
it is a very good sign that the land has become baya birds’ favourite nesting place.
CR Naveen
Programme officer, Bombay Natural History Society
— Akhilesh Pandey
