'Bird Man' creates safe haven for sparrows with artificial nests

Ramgarh: A 38-year-old bird enthusiast has launched a novel initiative to protect sparrows by installing hundreds of artificial nests in his village Saraiya, under the Kundrukala panchayat, in Ramgarh district.

Pannalal, who has earned the moniker ‘Bird Man' for his extraordinary ability to mimic over 42 bird species found in Jharkhand, has transformed his village along the Damodar river bank into a sanctuary for sparrows and other species of birds with his initiative.

Now, Saraiya village has become a unique habitat for the endangered sparrows after artificial nests were installed in every household. These specially designed nests provide safe shelter for sparrows and other small birds during heat waves and night, constructed to match their natural habits and preferences.

Speaking to TOI , Pannalal demonstrated his remarkable talent for mimicking various bird calls, including peacocks, parrots, Asian koels and crows. "When I make these bird calls, hundreds fly towards me," he said.

A college dropout, Pannalal now conducts bird-watching events for school and college students using his unique skills to attract birds for educational purposes. His expertise recently earned him an invitation to the Dipatoli Military Station, where senior officials felicitated him for organising a bird-watching session.

He said, "I start my day early, inspecting the artificial nests I've installed. Then I visit the forest to observe birds and practice their calls.". The Bird Man also claimed that he has a special connection with crows with hundreds of them arriving near him within minutes after he mimics their natural calls.

Through his conservation efforts and unique abilities, Pannalal has not only helped protect the declining sparrow population but has also created awareness about bird conservation in his community.