World Sparrow Day 2022!
Let's dedicate a day to these tiny creatures...
20 March is celebrated as World Sparrow Day all over the globe. You might have often seen sparrows on your terrace or in your surroundings. They look so cute with their brown shade and puffy body structure. Viewing these small birds chirping together, flying here and there, flapping their wings, and perching on tree branches - is so delightful and no one in this world can deny that for sure!
There are almost 26 species of sparrows all over the world and 5 of them are spotted in India only. One of the most familiar species is the common house sparrows but there are no more commonly sighted nowadays.
However, cats are the most common known predators for them but other threats like air pollution, noise pollution, extreme usage of mobile phones have led to the declining population of sparrows in different parts of the world.
Britain once had the largest population of sparrows but now has lost three-fourths of its population. Many urban cities have now left with almost 1% of their sparrows.
Sighting this major issue and conserving these birds from extinction the Nature Forever Society of India took their first step in the year 2010 and declared the day 20 March to be celebrated as World Sparrow Day. The great conservationist Mohammed Dilawar is the founder and president of the NFS organization which works for the conservation of sparrows as well as other fauna and flora species. His words-
"For me, if we can't save a sparrow which is found around us then it is too ambitious to save a tiger. So first we have to save the sparrows and only then can we dream of saving the tiger."
show his dedication towards his ambition of conserving nature!
Several steps were taken by the Nature Forever Society to spread the idea of World Sparrow Day all over the world. In the last few years, it has gained so much popularity that citizens of more than 50 countries including North America and Asia, actively participate and celebrate WSD. In India, also people have become aware of their responsibilities towards maintaining the ecological balance. In 2012, sparrows were declared as the "state bird" of Delhi (capital state of India) on the proposal of the NFS organization.
This day is all meant to make people aware of the conservation status of the sparrows and to bring all the nature enthusiasts together to talk about the steps to be taken to save them from extinction. Various competitions like poster making, collage making, quizzes, debates, etc. are held, and meetings and discussions are done among the nature conservationists from different parts of the world. The only aim of NFS to celebrate WSD is to spread the message of improving the ecological status and to connect the citizens with the conservation moment of India.
How could we help?
Sparrows are very friendly in nature. You might have seen them in groups generally in the urban areas or human societies. In different parts of the world, they are believed to symbolize hard work, simplicity, and loyalty.
As summer is on the way we can help these birds in different ways. By keeping water bowls, grain seeds in our balconies or sundecks and making small shady shelters we can comfort them in hot summers. As its Sunday we can go for a Sparrow walk and enjoy birdwatching with our binoculars or cameras to spot and capture them. Spreading greenery in our surroundings would also invite them to visit our localities often.
Our few steps like this would help these tiny creatures a lot and they would be able to regain their population numbers back. So, with this beautiful message wishing you all a very happy World Sparrow Day!
About the Creator
Shiwangi dwivedi
Hey! I am a nature lover and love to write about different elements present on our planet. We will together explore the amazing beauty of nature! I explore and write on Medium too. Go and check it out-https://shivangidwivedi1900.medium.com/
Keep reading
More stories from Shiwangi dwivedi and writers in Earth and other communities.
Animal Diversity in Ukraine
The wildlife of Ukraine comprises several species in the flora and fauna world. It is home to a variety of creatures and diverse birds, mammals, and plant species. However, it has been found that there are almost 385 endangered animal species in the Red List of Ukraine. This figure is quite big serious steps should be taken to save these poor creatures. So let's explore some of these animal species of Ukraine and learn about their conservation status:
By Shiwangi dwivedi4 years ago in Earth
Europe Draws a Red Line on Greenland After a Year of Trying to Pacify Trump
For nearly a year, European leaders walked a diplomatic tightrope. They tried calm language, quiet reassurance, and strategic patience as former U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly revived his controversial interest in Greenland. What began as provocative rhetoric gradually evolved into something Europe could no longer ignore. Now, after months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy, Europe has drawn a clear red line on Greenland — signaling that compromise has its limits when sovereignty and regional security are at stake. This shift marks more than a response to one leader’s remarks. It reflects Europe’s growing determination to defend territorial integrity, manage Arctic competition, and assert strategic autonomy in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment. How Greenland Became a Flashpoint Again Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long held strategic importance. Rich in rare earth minerals, located along key Arctic routes, and home to critical U.S. military infrastructure, the island sits at the crossroads of security, climate change, and great-power rivalry. Donald Trump’s original proposal in 2019 to “buy” Greenland was widely mocked in Europe. But as his political influence resurged, so did concerns that his renewed interest was not just symbolic. Over the past year, Trump’s rhetoric — framed around U.S. security, resource access, and countering China and Russia in the Arctic — became more persistent. European capitals initially chose restraint. Officials hoped that de-escalation, quiet diplomacy, and alliance solidarity would prevent the issue from spiraling into a transatlantic rift. A Year of European Pacification For much of the past year, Europe adopted a strategy of pacification rather than confrontation. Denmark emphasized its close defense cooperation with Washington. EU leaders reiterated NATO unity and the importance of Arctic stability. Diplomats avoided public criticism, choosing private channels instead. The goal was clear: prevent Trump’s Greenland narrative from becoming official U.S. policy while preserving transatlantic relations. However, this approach had limits. As Trump’s language grew sharper — hinting at leverage, pressure, or “strategic necessity” — European patience began to erode. What once sounded like political theater increasingly resembled a challenge to European sovereignty norms. Why Europe Finally Drew the Line Europe’s tougher stance did not emerge overnight. It was driven by several converging realities. 1. Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable At the heart of Europe’s response is a firm principle: territorial sovereignty cannot be bargained away. Greenland is not a commodity, and its future cannot be dictated by external powers — regardless of alliance ties. European leaders made it clear that any attempt to apply pressure on Denmark or Greenland would cross a red line, undermining international law and democratic self-determination. 2. Arctic Competition Is Intensifying The Arctic is no longer a frozen backwater. Melting ice has opened new shipping routes and intensified competition over resources. Russia has militarized large parts of its Arctic territory, while China has declared itself a “near-Arctic state.” Against this backdrop, Europe fears that normalizing aggressive rhetoric over Greenland could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other powers to challenge borders under the guise of security or economic necessity. 3. Europe’s Strategic Confidence Has Grown Compared to 2019, Europe today is less willing to absorb geopolitical shocks quietly. The war in Ukraine accelerated Europe’s defense integration and sharpened its sense of strategic responsibility. Standing firm on Greenland is part of a broader shift: Europe is signaling that being a U.S. ally does not mean surrendering political agency. Greenland’s Own Voice Matters One crucial difference between past debates and today is the prominence of Greenlandic leaders themselves. Officials in Nuuk have repeatedly emphasized that Greenland’s future will be decided by its people, not by foreign capitals. Calls for respect, partnership, and economic development — rather than transactional geopolitics — have resonated strongly in Europe. By drawing a red line, European leaders are also amplifying Greenland’s right to self-determination, reinforcing the idea that Arctic communities are stakeholders, not strategic prizes. What This Means for Transatlantic Relations Europe’s firmer stance does not signal a break with the United States. NATO cooperation in the Arctic remains strong, and U.S. military presence in Greenland continues with Danish consent. However, the message is unmistakable: allies must respect boundaries. European officials are increasingly willing to publicly disagree with Washington when core principles are threatened. This reflects a maturing alliance — one where unity does not require silence. In the long run, this clarity may actually strengthen transatlantic relations, reducing ambiguity and preventing future misunderstandings. A Signal Beyond Greenland Europe’s red line on Greenland sends a message far beyond the Arctic. It signals to Russia and China that Europe will defend its territorial order, even under pressure from powerful actors. It reassures smaller states that sovereignty remains a foundational norm. And it underscores that Europe is learning to balance diplomacy with firmness in an era of great-power competition. Conclusion: From Pacification to Principle After a year of cautious diplomacy, Europe has chosen principle over placation. The red line drawn around Greenland is not an act of hostility — it is an assertion of values. In a world where power politics are returning, Europe is making one thing clear: sovereignty is not negotiable, alliances are not blank checks, and Arctic stability requires respect — not rhetoric. Greenland may be vast and sparsely populated, but the message Europe is sending from its icy shores is unmistakably global.
By Muhammad Hassan6 days ago in Earth
Stanislav Kondrashov on the Quiet Power Driving the Energy Transition: Electrification
In the global conversation about the future of energy, it's often the loudest innovations that capture attention—new technologies, sweeping policy changes, and major infrastructure projects. Yet beneath the surface, a quieter revolution is taking place. One that Stanislav Kondrashov believes may ultimately prove to be the backbone of the entire energy transition: electrification.
By Stanislav Kondrashov6 days ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.