Dermatologist-turned-bird lover creates safe haven for sparrows

As the world marks World Sparrow Day on March 20, Dr Sanjeev Goyal, a dermatologist and passionate bird lover, reflects on his 27-year-long effort to protect sparrows, a species that has seen a sharp decline due to urbanisation and environmental changes.

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How you can help sparrows

- Install bird feeders with grains and water

- Place wooden nests in gardens or balconies

- Avoid pesticide use to protect their food sources

- Support conservation efforts by spreading awareness

Dr Goyal’s home resonates with the cheerful chirping of sparrows, offering a sense of peace to his family. He enjoys his morning tea alongside his wife and parents, surrounded by the birds he has nurtured. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of sparrow behaviour, saying, “I can now tell when they feel threatened or happy just by their chirping.”

His journey began in 1998, when he moved to Sirsa and noticed a drastic drop in the sparrow population. Inspired by his aunt’s nostalgic recollection of sparrows visiting their kitchen, he resolved to take action. He started by setting up bird feeders, though it took months for the sparrows to trust the new food sources. Soon, he went a step further by designing wooden nests to provide them with safe shelter, compensating for the lack of natural nesting spaces in modern urban landscapes.

Today, Dr Goyal cares for around 60-70 sparrows, though the number varies with the season. His efforts extend beyond his home — he freely distributes bird feeders to encourage others to contribute to sparrow conservation.

Dr Goyal explains that modern concrete buildings and environmental pollution have significantly reduced sparrow habitats. Additionally, the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture contaminates their food sources, posing a serious threat. He emphasises, “Sparrows are an indicator of a healthy environment. Their declining numbers signal an imbalance in nature.”

Beyond being a doctor and a conservationist, Dr Goyal is an award-winning bird photographer. He has received several honours for his stunning bird photography, a passion that complements his mission to save sparrows. His wife, Shafeena, is a strong supporter of his conservation efforts, sharing his belief in the importance of coexisting with nature.

Dr Goyal has urged people to take simple steps to help restore the sparrow population. “Installing birdhouses and feeders in homes and gardens can make a huge difference. Small efforts can lead to big changes,” he says.