Aradi: About 17 years ago, weaver birds used to command their ubiquitous presence across palm, date palm and other trees in almost all parts of Aradi area in Bhadrak district, but they had completely vanished from the area just after the 1999 super-cyclone, leaving environmentalists and bird lovers dejected.
However, surprisingly, the weaver birds have made a comeback to the area with locals becoming euphoric over their return. The chirping sound of the birds is now abuzz throughout the area with villagers saying the sound is music to their ears.
Almost all palm trees in the area are found dotted with nests of weavers birds swinging in the wind.
As their breeding season approaches, the birds are tirelessly building nests in areas like Kulaipada, Olaga and Khatuapatana.
The return of the weaver birds to the area again after so many years is being considered a good sign by locals. “The sight of birds flying about carrying threads of palm leaves in their little beaks is really one to cherish,” said some locals, who believe that man needs to live in sync with nature.
Environmentalists lamented that the children born after 1999 had no idea of what a weaver bird looked like. Now, they are lucky to see them skillfully and marvelously building their nests with their dexterous movement of beaks.
All that the children had seen were pictures of the weaver birds in their schoolbooks. People used to bring artificial nests of weaver birds from the local market to decorate their houses.
Their return has also equally brought cheer for the local environmentalists. They exuded hope that the number of birds will be multiplied in the coming years.
Bird experts say weaver birds weave two types of nests – one for the male and the other for the female. The female bird lays eggs at its nest and takes care of its nestlings.
Happy over the return of baya birds in their area, Nihar Ranjan Kar, a lecturer, said, “Weaver birds maintain harmony between humans and nature. They have immense contribution to environment. Their return to the area after a long absence is definitely a good sign.”
Recalling the day the weaver birds migrated out of the area, Surama Sundari Sahu, a teacher, said, “After the 1999 super-cyclone, the weaver birds did a disappearing act. They have come back again to the area after so many years. We are really happy to see them back and watching them build their nests is a really enjoyable experience.”
A student named Nabin Palai said he was overjoyed to see a weaver bird for the first time.”I had only read about the bird and seen pictures of it in my school textbook. Now, I can’t believe that I am able to see them for real. Watching them build their nests is really a marvelous sight,” Palai said. PNN
