Birds Declining, populations highlight urbanization, pesticides, and hunting as urgent environmental concerns
There was a time when the chirping of birds in the morning was like a natural alarm, ringing in the day with a melody more beautiful than any clock. As the author of the book, Rais Furq, explains:
“The little bird chirped,
Flapped its tiny wings,
And morning dew made the buds shine.”
But these days those sweet sounds are becoming less and less. Modern life, late-night phone use, mental distractions mean fewer people are up early in the morning and there are fewer of them in our environment.
The silence of the morning has replaced chatter from a place of joy.
The research has revealed another big one: the number of birds is decreasing by 3-5 percent every year, and 60-70 percent of them are already missing.
Islamabad Wildlife did this by telling me, but Muhammad Abrar, a wildlife ranger at the Meri Board, said that excessive chemical agricultural sprays, rapid deforestation, hunting, and illegal bird trapping and sale are the main reasons for its decline. Feeding small birds in hotels and feeding curious people is also difficult and costly.
Historically, birds have been celebrated in poetry and culture. Barkat Ali Firaq beautifully captured their charm:
“Come children, let’s sing songs,
A kindly old woman raised a little bird,
The bird sang as the old woman cooked,
Even when hungry, the bird waited,
Until the bird’s song finally filled the air.”
The disappearance of birds is not only a power effect but also a cultural one.
Now children do not see birds flying around, and even in beautiful designer cities like Islamabad, nests have decreased or disappeared.
Experts recommend immediate action: ban hunting, reduce chemical agricultural sprays, improve government protection policies.
People can help too—keeping bird food and water in yards or gardens, especially in summer, helps keep sparrows and other birds alive.
Saving these birds is not just about preserving power—it can also preserve the beauty, the melody, the cultural color in our lives. If steps are not taken now, we may never again be graced by their sweet chirping in the morning.
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