Ever wondered how a pocket-sized garden in the heart of Delhi society turned into an urban green hub for our feathered friends? Well, grab a cup of chai/ coffee and get ready for the chirping story of our little green kingdom and its booming avian.

Introduction Odyssey -The Role of Green Spaces

Climate change in cities is crucial, not just due to the growing urban population but also as an innovative approach recommended. Urban green spaces, like parks, remaining natural forests, and planted avenues, play a vital role in conserving urban green within city limits. Diverse vegetation in these areas offers a variety of food sources and creates a more varied habitat for nesting and shelter. Birds are adaptable to different climate change environments.

Considering Climate Change in mind, in the last few years, our community decided to take the pledge and transform our humble society into a green space with small cubicles. We planted a few fruit trees here, and a couple of bushes there. Our attempt at creating a Bird Airbnb. Little did we know, we were about to become the proud landlord of a chirpy community. This petite garden enclave has evolved into a bustling avian space. And showing that even a small corner abode in Delhi can play in fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and our feathered friends

Chirps in the City- The First Avian Encounters in Urban Hub

From the tiny pigeon net around my home in summer, I spotted a Purple Sunbird with a robust chirp. To my surprise, I wondered how it managed to enter through the net.  When I was able to click the image through my camera Google Lens showed it was a purple Sunbird male. Then for a whole two months, they made my balcony their home. How they made nests, chicks born, and care for little ones. For the whole story, you can click on this link https://rachnacaptures.com/nature-tiny-treasures-sunbird/

Habitat Modulations

Climate change and city’s well-maintained gardens and parks provide an ideal habitat for these colorful birds, attracting them with a ready supply of nectar. Additionally, the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours in summer contribute to increased bird activity, making sunbirds more conspicuous as they hover among the blossoms in search of food. The urban green space thus becomes a prime location for observing and enjoying the vibrant presence of sunbirds during the summer months in Delhi.

Chirps in the City- The Second Avian Encounters in Urban Hub

With rain in summer comes humidity and we chanced upon spotting the Yellow-Footed Pigeon. Yellow-footed pigeon is designated as the state bird of Maharashtra. And is a distinct avian species. And Known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive yellow feet. They seem to be in the group.

Habitat Modulations

In the Delhi region, these pigeons are more visible, possibly due to the prevalence of suitable habitats and food sources. These pigeons are not typically migratory, preferring a stable habitat. Changes in their habitat, such as deforestation or urban development, can impact their presence. Environmental conditions, including the availability of food and water sources, also influence their distribution. Monitoring and understanding these factors is crucial for the conservation of yellow-footed pigeons and their ecosystems concerning climate change.

Chirps in the City- The Third Avian Encounters in Urban Hub

Another bird that was spotted almost throughout the year was Rufous Treepie. I first encountered this bird during our visits to the National Park. They were bold, and you can observe them claiming a particular tree as their own. Hopping from branch to branch, they shoo away other birds such as the common Myna and Bulbul from that location. During the summer, they were often seen in pairs and produce various sounds to attract mates.

Habitat Modulations

Climate change and various factors may contribute to the presence of the Rufous Treepie in Delhi. Firstly, Delhi’s diverse landscape, which includes a mix of urban green spaces. Parks provide an ideal habitat for these adaptable birds. Open woodlands and gardens are environments where Rofous Treepies thrive. And Delhi’s greenery offers suitable nesting and foraging grounds.

Additionally, the availability of food sources in the form of insects, fruits, and flower nectar in Delhi contributes to the sustained presence of Rufous Treepies. Their omnivorous diet allows them to exploit a variety of resources, making urban green space in Delhi conducive to their survival. The adaptability of Rufous Treepies to human-altered landscapes also plays a role. These birds actively inhabit areas near human settlements,leveraging the resources provided by urban green space efforts.

Chirps in the City- The Fourth Avian Encounters in Urban Hub

Barbets produce distinct sounds to attract their mates, making it challenging to pinpoint their location. Their varied calls add an element of mystery to your search. Their green plumage blends seamlessly with the foliage, thanks to the shades of green in tree leaves and branches. These birds particularly enjoy the morning sunshine at the onset of winter. I’ve spotted two different types of barbets within a year, Lineated Barbet and Brown-Headed Barbet. And their presence in Delhi’s urban green space raises questions about what draws them to this climate change

Habitat Modulations

Climate change and urban green space affect the availability of suitable nesting sites for barbets. Urbanization introduces increased noise and disturbance, impacting the communication and mating behaviors of barbet birds. However urban green space helps in sustaining barbet populations amid climate change and urbanization in Delhi.

During the summer months, we spotted other Avian Species two or three times, each stay lasting only a few days. The common myna and bulbul frequently bully the Indian white eye, which is easily recognizable by its distinctive white eye-ring and overall yellowish upper part. The laughing turtle dove, typically found in areas near human habitats, was spotted and observed in pairs.

All this is happening due to climate change and the urban green space created. Small effort and patience gave good habitat for these avians.

Conclusion

While Climate Change may seem synonymous with progress, the toll it takes on India’s avian wonders is a cause for concern. As we witness the changing landscapes, it is imperative to consider the impact on these bird species and work towards sustainable practices of creating urban green spaces that allow both human development and the preservation of our rich natural avian species. The onus is on us to find a harmonious balance that ensures the continued existence and well-being of these remarkable creatures in our evolving world.

Note: The details mentioned above are solely based on my observations. The images captured serve as the data supporting my observations.