Rama Krishna Sangem
Former BRS MP and founder of Green India Challenge J Santosh Kumar this Sunday, April 14, clicked four photos of Indian Grey Hornbill, beautiful birds exclusive for our subcontinent on X. Sometime back too, he captured in camera these Hornbills. If you take a closer look, the four pics are different in motion- the bird is seen opening its beak to catch a fruit on a tree, and later holding it in mouth. Nice camera work!
The pics posted at 9.30 am, got about 3,000 views and close to 100 likes and some reposts by evening. This shows the GIC founder’s fan following on X is undiminished even after he left Rajya Sabha two weeks ago. Some comments appreciated his commitment to the cause of wildlife and environment. This is a healthy trend that people appreciate politicians championing green causes.
Grey Hornbill, lucky bird
This bird is called Indian grey hornbill in t his subcontinent, but it is a well respected winged guest in Malaysia. There people call it a lucky bird, as its sight is believed to bring them fortune and auspicious. just like our Palapittta – or Indian roller. Grey hornbills are intelligent, social and swift in their movements. They move in pairs and build nests and breed in safe places.
They feed on both herbs and insects. Though officially they are not listed in endangered species of birds, in our country they are not safe. Fast shrinking of tree cover and poaching is a threat to them. Add to these, water shortage due to severe summer this year is a big problem to all birds, said a retired forest officer from Hyderabad. Can we do anything provide water for our birds, especially in parks and our courtyards? Maybe an idea to our youngsters and GIC activists.
