With human beings confined in their homes because of COVID-19 lockdown in India and elsewhere, the fauna has come out to reclaim its space.

Lower pollution levels are attracting more birds to the city, including rare ones.

While there is fake news doing the rounds on social media, for example, the dolphins and swan-sightings in Venice’s waterways, but not all sightings are fake.

A number of videos and images of different birds have surfaced on social media in the last few days. Several residents are spending their time recording bird songs and posting in like-minded groups, asking others to guess the bird.

Ornithologist Sumit Sen said one of the reasons for the increase in bird sightings is the reduced numbers of cars as well as humans on the streets. “Thanks to lower sound pollution, birds are now coming down on the ground to find food. This has increased the feeding hours for them,” he added. 

“We need to channelize our energies creatively during the lockdown. Luckily, we are in one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Indian trees are flowering in spring. Make the time for balcony birding. Migratory birds such as Rosy starlings are here and resident birds like a house sparrow, yellow-footed green pigeon, and collared doves are making nests. Make a small list of which birds you see each day. Birdwatch between 6.30-8.30 am. You will be rewarded. Also, as summer approaches please put out clean water for the birds.” said Neha Sinha, a Conservation Biologist.

A lot of people clicked pictures of birds in their backyards. Here are a few of them:

(Want to know what birds are you clicking? We’ve collected a bunch of experts who can help you with this! Share a tweet using #BalconyBirding and we’ll get you the answers.)