In these earth where we live, is governed by the law of natural world which consist of wetland, rainforest, scrubland, backyard. There is an intangible relations between sustainable species. In our ecosystem there are different species which have some designated biological roles which is very important for biodiversity. It is a part of the balance of the nature. In our ecological systems birds have critical role. Without birds, our health, economy, food production are endangered. Birds provide some direct benefit to humans that we all generally forget to notice. Below are some important benefits :
1. Seasonal Indicator: Ecology of Birds
clearly indicates climate and global changes. Bird’s are ecologists favorite
tool, because of habitat change and they are easy to census. Information about
the inbound seasonal transition can be done using observation of their behavior
and migration pattern. Some indicator listed below:
·
Jacobin’s Cuckoos during the advent of pre-monsoon
indicates a spell monsoon showers across India is around the corner.
·
Hawks flying high means a clear sky. When
they fly low, prepare for a blow.
·
Geese fly higher in fair weather than
in foul.
·
When seagulls fly inland, expect
a storm.
·
When fowls roost in daytime,
expect rain.
·
Petrels gathering under the stern of a ship
indicates bad weather.
·
Birds singing in the rain indicates fair
weather approaching.
·
If crows fly in pairs, expect fine weather; a
crow flying alone is a sign of foul weather.
·
The whiteness of a goose’s breastbone
indicates the kind of winter: A red of dark-spotted bone means a cold and
stormy winter; few or light-colored spots mean a mild winter.
·
Partridges drumming in the fall means a mild
and open winter.
·
When domestic geese walk east and fly west,
expect cold weather.
·
If birds in the autumn grow tame, the winter
will be too cold for game.
·
When the rooster goes crowing to bed, he will
rise with watery head.
·
When the swallow’s nest is high, the summer
is very dry. When the swallow buildeth low, you can safely reap and sow.
2. Pollination: Birds are very
important pollinators of wildflowers throughout the world. Ornithophily is the
term used for pollination carried out by the birds as they move from one flower
to another. Some are the below listed birds which acts as important roles in
pollination;
·
In India - Sunbird, Oriental
White-Eye and Warblers are key in wildflower pollination
·
In the US - Hummingbirds
are key in wildflower pollination.
·
In Hawaii –
Honeycreepers are important pollinators.
·
In Australia –
Honeyeaters are important pollinators.
·
In New Guinea –
Brush-Tongued Parrots serve as tropical pollen vector.
3. Decomposers: Decomposition is the
process by which dead organic substances are broken down into simple organic
and inorganic matter. Organisms that do this are known as decomposers. Some
certain species of birds are playing important role as a decomposers i.e.
Vultures, Kites, Magpies and Crows, they are also known as nature cleanup crew.
They consume carcasses within hours and plays an important role in our
ecological systems. Without these decomposers, we would be far susceptible to contagious
infections from decaying carcasses.
4. Seed Propagation: Birds
that eat fruits and seeds help carry the seeds of these fruits and plants
through their excreta. So when the birds drop their excreta, these transported
seeds then can grow in various locations and chance to grow in more favorable
conditions. A lot of plants and trees are dependent on birds to seed propagation.
Sparrow, Munia, Dove, parakeets, Toucan, Flowerpeckers, Nutcrackers, Woodpeckers
etc. are the example of seed dispersal.
5. Pest Control: Bird acts as an
important role in pest control. Birds in their glide, consumes hundreds of
insects, many of which are considered as pests. Bird feeds insects and their
larva also and to play a critical role in reducing and maintaining populations
of insects in our environment.
6. Healthy Life: Bird watching is
often diversion from the pressures of our daily life-style. Most seven
therapeutic benefits of birdwatching are:
·
The great outdoor : Getting out fresh air that is grat for mind, body and soul.
As per researchers 10 minutes outside can significantly improve the health of
those living with dementia. Getting outside also great sourcing of Vitamin D.
·
Connect with family
and friends : when you go for birdwatching and can
help close bond, because of great talking point and discussion.
·
Time for calm : Recent studies suggests that spending time around nature
can be a great way to combat stress and relax. Reduce stress, anxiety and
depression.
·
Keeping the mind
active and healthy : Peoples suffering
from dementia , activities that involve visual aids can often help recall
memories. Additionally, repetition can often be reassuring someone with
cognitive impairment.
·
Providing a change
of scenery : Short trip for birdwatching provide a
change of scenery that help those suffering from dementia.
·
Connecting with
nature : Spending time in nature can have some
incredibly positive effects on our mental health. Hearing birdsongs, recall
memories from younger years and connecting with the nature can be an invaluable
reminiscence activity.
·
Physical benefit : Not only does birdwatching encourage people to get out into
their local community and explore the nearby parks but it can also some
physical benefits like older people healthy and slow the progression of
dementia symptoms. Some physical benefits are:
Ø
Quick Reflections
Ø
Good Mental
Alertness
Ø
Healthy Cardiovascular
System
Ø
Good Sense of
Community
Ø
Good Acceptance
Power
Ø
Good Traveller
7. Encourage Tourism: Many hotspots
across the country are becoming increasingly popular for birdwatching, people
from different parts of the world come for birdwatching and because of that tourism
industries are growing immensely. This surge in tourism has generated the much-needed
income within the communities of these remote areas.
