Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Birds in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a small but vibrant country in South Asia, is home to an incredible variety of bird species. From colorful parrots to majestic eagles, Bangladesh is a birdwatcher's paradise. This blog takes a closer look at some of the most common birds in Bangladesh - crows, sparrows, magpies, storks and pigeons. 

Sparrows

Sparrows are a beloved sight in Bangladesh. These little brown birds with black and white markings are often seen in parks, gardens and even homes. They are well adapted to the urban environment and can be found nesting in the corners of buildings. Sparrows are often associated with good luck and are considered a symbol of love and companionship. In fact, many Bengali poets and writers have written about the simple beauty of the sparrow and its significance in their culture. Unfortunately, due to increasing urbanization and pesticide use, sparrows in Bangladesh have declined in recent years. Efforts are being made to protect and restore the numbers of these attractive birds.

Crows in Bangladesh

Crows are a common sight in Bangladesh and can be found in both cities and rural villages. These large black birds with shiny feathers are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They have a varied diet and can be seen scavenging for food in landfills or hunting smaller birds and animals. Despite being considered harmful by some, they play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem. They help control insect populations and also act as scavengers, cleaning streets and preventing the spread of disease. In addition to their practical benefits, crows are also known for their singing ability and can be heard making a variety of sounds from loud cackles to soft squawks. 

Magpie -- National bird of Bangladesh

Another popular bird in Bangladesh is the magpie. Known for its striking black and white plumage, the magpie is a common sight in the countryside. They are social birds and can be seen hopping around in flocks and looking for food. Magpies have a varied diet consisting of insects, fruits and seeds. In Bangladeshi folklore, magpies are often associated with good luck and are believed to bring good luck to those who see them. They are also known for their intelligence and have been observed using foraging tools. Unfortunately, like sparrows, magpie populations in Bangladesh have declined due to habitat loss and pesticide use. 

Herons in Bangladesh

Moving on to waterfowl, herons are a majestic sight in the wetlands of Bangladesh. These long-legged birds with graceful necks can be seen wading in shallow waters patiently waiting for their prey. Storks play an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems by regulating fish stocks. The most common stork found in Bangladesh is the gray stork, whose plumage is grey-white in colour. However, there are also other species in the country, such as the purple and black-crowned owl. These beautiful birds are an important part of Bangladesh's biodiversity and efforts are being made to protect their habitats. 

Pigeons

Last but not least, we have the humble pigeon. These birds may not be as eye-catching as birds, but they play a crucial role in maintaining balance in the urban environment. Pigeons are found all over Bangladesh and live in towns and villages. They are often seen perched on buildings or statues and their distinct buzzing can be heard throughout the day. Apart from being scavengers, pigeons play an important cultural role in Bangladesh. They are often kept as pets or used for racing. Doves also play a role in religious ceremonies and are considered symbols of peace and love. 

In conclusion, the bird life of Bangladesh is diverse and fascinating. From intelligent crows to graceful storks, each bird plays a unique role in maintaining the delicate balance of the earth and ecosystems. It is important for us to appreciate and protect these birds not only because of their beauty, but also because they are important to our environment. So the next time you see a crow or a sparrow, take a moment to observe and appreciate these amazing creatures that share our world.


Saturday, October 28, 2023

Birds in Bangladesh -- Magpies, Herons and Pigeons

Bangladesh, a small yet vibrant country located in South Asia, is home to an incredibly diverse range of bird species. From colorful parrots to majestic eagles, Bangladesh is a birdwatcher's paradise. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the most commonly found birds in Bangladesh - crows, sparrows, magpies, herons, and pigeons.

A popular bird in Bangladesh is the magpie. Known for its striking black and white plumage, the magpie is a common sight in the countryside. They are social birds and can be seen in flocks, hopping around and foraging for food. Magpies have a varied diet, consisting of insects, fruits, and seeds.

Magpie robin -- The national bird of Bangladesh

In Bangladeshi folklore, magpies are often associated with good fortune and are believed to bring luck to those who see them. They are also known for their intelligence and have been observed using tools to access food. Sadly, like sparrows, the magpie population in Bangladesh has also declined due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

Moving on to water-birds, herons are a majestic sight in Bangladesh's wetlands. These long-legged birds with graceful necks can be seen wading in shallow waters, patiently waiting for their prey. Herons play a significant role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems by controlling fish populations.

Herons in Bangladesh

The most commonly found heron in Bangladesh is the grey heron, with its distinctive grey and white plumage. However, other species such as the purple heron and black-crowned night heron can also be found in the country. These beautiful birds are an important part of Bangladesh's biodiversity and efforts are being made to protect their habitats.

Last but not least, we have the humble pigeon. These birds may not be as flashy as their avian counterparts, but they play a crucial role in maintaining balance in urban environments. Pigeons are found throughout Bangladesh, living in cities, towns, and villages. They are often seen perched on buildings or statues, and their distinct cooing sounds can be heard throughout the day.

Pigeons in Bangladesh

In addition to their role as scavengers, pigeons also play an important cultural role in Bangladesh. They are often kept as pets or used for racing competitions. Pigeons also have significance in religious ceremonies and are seen as symbols of peace and love.

In conclusion, the avian world of Bangladesh is a diverse and fascinating one. From intelligent crows to graceful herons, each bird plays a unique role in maintaining the delicate balance of the country's ecosystems. It is important for us to appreciate and protect these birds, not just for their beauty, but also for their essential contributions to our environment. So next time you see a crow or a sparrow, take a moment to observe and appreciate these wonderful creatures that share our world.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Birds in Bangladesh -- Sparrows and Crows

Bangladesh, a small yet vibrant country located in South Asia, is home to an incredibly diverse range of bird species. From colorful parrots to majestic eagles, Bangladesh is a birdwatcher's paradise. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the most commonly found birds in Bangladesh - crows, sparrows, magpies, herons, and pigeons.

Crows are a common sight in Bangladesh, found in urban areas as well as rural villages. These large, black birds with glossy feathers are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They have a varied diet and can be seen scavenging for food in garbage dumps or preying on smaller birds and animals.

Despite being considered a nuisance by some, crows play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem. They help control insect populations and also act as scavengers, cleaning up the streets and preventing the spread of diseases. In addition to their practical benefits, crows are also known for their vocal abilities and can be heard making a variety of sounds, from loud caws to soft coos.

Moving on to smaller birds, sparrows are a beloved sight in Bangladesh. These tiny brown birds with black and white markings are commonly seen in parks, gardens, and even inside homes. They have adapted well to urban environments and can be found nesting in nooks and crannies of buildings.


Sparrows are often associated with good luck and are considered a symbol of love and companionship. In fact, many Bengali poets and writers have written about the sparrow's simple beauty and its significance in their culture. Sadly, due to increasing urbanization and use of pesticides, the sparrow population in Bangladesh has declined in recent years. Efforts are being made to conserve these charming birds and restore their numbers.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Expanded internet access could bring new jobs to rural areas

Expanded internet access could bring new jobs to rural areas - CBS News Watch CBS News The Biden administration on Monday announced $667 million in new funding to build more broadband internet access in the U.S. The grants and loans are spread across 22 states, but will target "rural, remote and unserved communities." Drew Clark, CEO of internet advocacy company Broadband Breakfast, joins CBS News to discuss how rural areas would benefit from expanded internet access. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 




Internet access for all must become a priority :

During this national Digital Inclusion Week, Ohio Department of Development officials are focusing on making digital technology available and practical for all Ohioans — following the week’s theme “Building Connected Communities.” “You cannot have opportunities in a modern economy without access to broadband internet and the skills to use it, which is why our mission to make Ohio more connected is so important,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said Monday. “During this week, I encourage all Ohioans to take advantage of the resources available to become more knowledgeable and better able to use the tools that connect us across the state.” If they are able to connect at all, that is. Sure, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance hosted a series of webinars this past week, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library offered opportunities to develop digital skills and obtain affordable devices and internet connections. But what good does that do Ohioans who still don’t have even the possibility of reliable, high-speed broadband internet access, let alone the tools and skills they need to use it? BroadbandOhio has spent the past three years helping to “bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Ohioans have high-speed internet access,” according to the Department of Development. But according to research website Broadband Search, “Ohio has less internet accessibility than many other of the most popular states. … 5.7% of residents in Ohio have no internet connection at home or elsewhere.” And 22.9% do not have high-speed internet access. For those folks, touting the availability of digital skills classes is akin to showing them how to use all the features on their new refrigerator before their homes are wired for electricity. Yes, it was important this past week (and all the time) to think about giving low-income households, aging populations, incarcerated individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, people with language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, and rural residents the skills and resources they’ll need to thrive in the digital age. But for the sake of our families, our schools and our communities, the push to bring the access they need to employ those skills must be officials’ top priority. 
Expanded internet access could bring new jobs to rural areas - CBS News Watch CBS News The Biden administration on Monday announced $667 million in new funding to build more broadband internet access in the U.S. The grants and loans are spread across 22 states, but will target "rural, remote and unserved communities." Drew Clark, CEO of internet advocacy company Broadband Breakfast, joins CBS News to discuss how rural areas would benefit from expanded internet access. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.