Tiruchi residents pitch in to help birds, animals stay cool during summer

As temperatures soar, non-governmental organisations, and city residents have begun placing containers of water and fodder for the birds frequenting the neighbourhoods of Tiruchi in recent weeks.

As temperatures soar, non-governmental organisations, and city residents have begun placing containers of water and fodder for the birds frequenting the neighbourhoods of Tiruchi in recent weeks.

On Thursday, volunteers of Tiruchi-based social organisation Thanneer distributed earthenware vessels to the public in Ponmalaipatti area, which are to be used as birdbaths.

“Ideally, these should be placed at ground level and close to trees, so that the birds can use them throughout the day. As tree cover has declined in the city over the years, the space for birdbaths is also decreasing,” K.C. Neelamegam, secretary, Thanneer, told The Hindu.

The organisation plans to carry out similar drives in K.K. Nagar and Khajamalai neighbourhoods in the coming weeks.

P. Vijayakumar, managing trustee, Amirtham Social Service Trust, has been maintaining birdbaths and water troughs for stray dogs and cattle at his home in Puthur for the past 25 years.

“The effect of climate change can be seen with the increasing daytime temperatures every year. With more concrete structures coming up in the city, birds are not able to feed on small worms and organisms in the soil as before. As a result, the diet of urban birds and animals in general, has changed too. They seem to prefer cooked and spicy food rather than grains and millets,” said Mr. Vijaykumar.

The birdbaths and troughs are kept filled with water and food throughout the day. “We get cats, squirrels, mynahs, and sparrows using these spots, especially when there is no human interference. Occasionally, goats and cows also visit to drink the water,” he added.