The ‘birdman’ beckons

AHMEDABAD: His house can be identified from afar. Nava Naroda resident Rajendrasinh Rathod has installed not one or two but 100 nests made of clay and composite material on the side wall of his house and tied many nests across the courtyard. In the scorching heat of summer, birds take shelter in these ready-made homes that also offer grains and water.
“I started the initiative a year ago after the eggs of a bird fell to the ground from a tree adjoining my home, due to strong winds.It made me realize they need better shelter to protect their progeny. Different birds require different nests and thus I had them made in varied shapes and sizes,” said Rathod, who owns an ice cream parlour.
The initiative has attracted birds such as myna, rock pigeons, doves, sparrows, parakeet, etc to Rathod’s residence. “Helping the birds and animals in whichever way we can is the best service. I also urge citizens to fill open pots with water for the birds this summer,” he added.