Sparrows can be seen all over the country, but Modern Mor, beside Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur, offers something new. Anyone suddenly seeing thousands of sparrows here could not guess whether they are birds or something else, because there are so many birds on branch after branch that it is truly astonishing. Every day, teachers, students and thousands of bird lovers from far and near gather to watch.

About 5,000 to 6,000 sparrows live in a fairly old krishnachura (flame tree) near the Chand Petroleum passenger shelter at the university's Modern Mor. Every evening at dusk, after a day of feeding, the sparrows flit from branch to branch with loud chirping, as if expressing their joy, as though they were sharing stories of happiness and sorrow with one another.

Everyone who sees the scene stares without blinking, and some are quick to capture it on camera or by other means. Watching this gathering of sparrows, they express their feelings.

Every day, as the sun rises in the eastern sky and daylight breaks, the sparrows set off in search of food, chirping as they go. All day they fly from place to place, braving countless dangers to gather food, and many travel mile after mile in search of it. After this daily battle for food, they begin returning one by one to their safe shelter.

Local fruit seller Md Sajib Mia told Jago News: "Four years ago, one day the sparrows suddenly crowded into the krishnachura tree. Since then a gathering of birds has been held every day. They stay only at night. As soon as the sun rises they go off somewhere, and then come back from somewhere. Nobody knows where they go at dawn."

He said: "The loud noise of vehicles is irritating, but the birds' chirping takes much of that irritation away. Many people come to see the birds and then leave. Nobody cares about the birds' food and safe shelter, and no step is taken on this. It would be much better if someone took responsibility for feeding them."

Md Hasan Miraj, a student who came from Rangpur Carmichael College, said: "I really loved this gathering of sparrows. The chirping and dancing of the birds truly charmed me. I have made a video to show this beautiful scene to my family. My younger sister loves birds, and she will be delighted to see it."

Mohammad Elias Hossain, a student who came from Rangpur Zilla School, said: "This gathering of thousands of sparrows on the krishnachura tree has left a mark on my mind. I was truly charmed by the birds, and I really enjoy hearing their chirping. This day will stay in my memory. You don't often see a gathering of birds like this."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.