Birds’ flight sees a plight this summer

Mumbai: Soaring mercury levels are not sparing birds in the city either, with heat-related disorders in them on the rise. In January alone, 286 cases of various types of birds adversely affected by the heat were recorded by Parel-based Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), and the number rose to 330 in February and 363 in March this year.

Till April 19, the number of heat-affected birds treated at BSPCA stood at 99. Veterinary doctors at BSPCA, Parel, said that birds were the most affected by the heat wave, with an alarming number even succumbing to it owing to lack of water and shelter. Over the past one week, the hospital has been treating about 15 birds daily. Lt. Colonel (Dr) J.C. Khanna, secretary and in-charge, BSPCA Hospital, told The Asian Age, “The sudden spurt in temperature is causing dehydration and heat stroke in birds and summer ticks in dogs. It is important for them to maintain their body temperature.”

“Summer is as difficult for animals and birds as it is for human beings. If not treated properly, issues related to dehydration, stomach ailments and fever can turn fatal for them,” he said. “Due to the heat, birds’ young ones get scratchy inside their nests and start flying. As they can’t fly long distances, they end up getting exhausted and collapse on the ground.”

Common birds in the city such as sparrows, parrots and robins struggle the most to survive.