World Sparrow Day – March 20

March 20 is World Sparrow Day. Why a red-letter day in honor of a bird? Look around – the once-common sparrows are now harder to see. And it’s not just in your neighborhood but the world over. No one agrees on exactly why sparrows have disappeared, but the most common reasons are thought to be changes in architectural styles of houses that no longer support nesting, lack of insect food for chicks due to increasing use of insecticides, and pollution from microwave towers. This tenderly compiled photo-essay by THARANGINI B looks at the life of sparrows in Bangalore and their determined endeavor to coexist alongside humans, thanks to the kindness of strangers who spare a thought for them.