Sind Sparrow: A Rare and Beautiful Bird You Need to Know About

Sindh Sparrow: A Rare and Beautiful Bird

If you are a bird lover, you might have heard of the house sparrow, a common and widespread bird that can be found in many parts of the world. But have you ever heard of the Sind sparrow, a close relative of the house sparrow that lives only in a small region of South Asia? In this article, we will introduce you to this rare and beautiful bird, and tell you some interesting facts about its appearance, behaviour, habitat, and conservation status.

What is a Sind sparrow?

The Sind sparrow locally known as Jirkey جھرڪي (Passer pyrrhonotus) is a passerine bird of the sparrow family, Passeridae, found around the Indus valley region in South Asia, mainly in the Sindh province of Pakistan and the neighboring parts of India. It is also known as the jungle, Sind jungle, or rufous-backed sparrow. It was discovered around 1840, but went undetected for several decades afterwards¹. It is very similar to the house sparrow, but it is smaller and has some distinctive features that make it unique.

How does a Sind sparrow look like?

The Sind sparrow is about 13 cm (5.1 in) long, while the house sparrow is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long¹. The male and female Sind sparrows have different plumage, as in the house sparrows, but they also have some differences from their counterparts of that species.

The male Sind sparrow has a bright chestnut eye-stripe, a gray crown and hindneck, a black patch restricted to the chin, a large white shoulder patch, and a black bill¹. The female Sind sparrow is like the female house sparrow, but has a less contrasting face with grayer head and cheeks¹. Here are some photos of the male and female Sind sparrows, taken from a YouTube video and other sources.

Male Sind sparrow

Female Sind sparrow

How does a Sind sparrow behave?

The Sind sparrow is a social and gregarious bird, that forms small groups of four to six birds while feeding. It feeds mostly on seeds and less often on insects, foraging close to the ground. It tends to breed in loose colonies of a few pairs, and non-breeding birds may gather to roost in acacias or tamarisks near water¹. During winter, the non-breeding season, it forms larger flocks of as many as 30 birds, and joins flocks with other seed-eating birds, such as house sparrows and red avadavats.

The Sind sparrow has a variety of vocalizations that are used for communication and attraction. Its main vocalisations are soft chirping calls that are extended into longer songs with other sounds interspersed by breeding males. Here is a recording of the Sind sparrow's calls, taken from a YouTube video.

[Play audio]

Where does a Sind sparrow live?

The Sind sparrow has a restricted and patchy distribution, primarily occurring within the Indus valley of Pakistan, and the lower parts of the tributaries of the Indus in the Punjab region. Its distribution extends from the Indus Delta north to the Kabul River near Nowshera and the Jhelum near Nurpur Noon, extending east into India as far as the Delhi area¹. It also breeds locally in parts of Pakistan's western province of Balochistan, and has been recorded several times in south-eastern Iran.

The Sind sparrow prefers to live in wetland habitats with thorny scrub and tall grass, along rivers, canals, and other water sources¹. During the non-breeding season, some birds enter drier habitats as they disperse short distances from their breeding habitat, or migrate into western Pakistan and the extreme east of Iran.

How is a Sind sparrow doing?

The Sind sparrow is not endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List, because it has a large range, a stable population, and no major threats¹. However, it is still a rare and localised bird, and its population size and trends are not well known. Some of the potential threats to its survival include habitat loss and degradation, pollution, hunting, and competition with the house sparrow.

How can you see or learn more about a Sind sparrow?

If you want to see or learn more about the Sind sparrow, you might want to visit its natural habitat in the Indus valley region, especially during the breeding season from March to June. You can also look for it in other places where it has been reported, such as Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. However, you should be aware that it is a very local and elusive bird, and you might need some luck and patience to find it.

You can also learn more about the Sind sparrow by reading books, articles, or websites that provide more information about this bird. Some of the sources that we used for this article are:

Sind sparrow - Wikipedia

Sind sparrow - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures

Birds Found in Sindh - The Worlds Rarest Birds

Conclusion

The Sind sparrow is a rare and beautiful bird that is very similar to the house sparrow, but has distinguishing features and a patchy distribution. It lives in wetland habitats and has a social and colonial lifestyle. It has a variety of vocalizations that are used for communication and attraction. It is not endangered, but it is still a rare and localised bird, and its population size and trends are not well known. It is a fascinating bird that deserves more attention and appreciation from bird lovers and conservationists.

#SindSparrow, #IndusValleyBirds, #RareAndBeautiful, #Sparrowlovers, #SindJungleSparrow

Jasmine Flower: A Guide to Growing and Caring for this Fragrant Beauty

How to Grow Jasmine Flower in Your Garden

Jasmine is a beautiful and fragrant flower that can add a touch of elegance and aroma to your garden. Jasmine flowers come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, and they bloom throughout the year in warm climates. In this blog post, I will show you how to grow jasmine flower in your garden using some simple steps.

What You Need to Grow Jasmine Flower

To grow jasmine flower, you will need the following items:

- A jasmine plant or cutting

- A pot or container with drainage holes

- Potting soil or compost

- Fertilizer

- Pruning shears

- A trellis or support (optional)

How to Grow Jasmine Flower from a Plant

If you have a jasmine plant, you can easily transplant it to your garden or a larger pot. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose a sunny spot for your jasmine plant. Jasmine flowers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce more blooms.

2. Prepare the soil for your jasmine plant. Jasmine plants prefer well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. You can use potting soil or compost and mix it with some sand or perlite to improve drainage. You can also add some organic fertilizer or bone meal to enrich the soil.

3. Dig a hole in the soil that is slightly larger than the root ball of your jasmine plant. Gently remove the plant from its original pot and place it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil and press it firmly around the plant. Water the plant well and mulch the soil to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

4. Provide support for your jasmine plant if needed. Jasmine plants can grow as vines or shrubs, depending on the variety. If you have a vining jasmine, you can train it to climb a trellis, a fence, or a wall. You can also let it cascade over a hanging basket or a window box. If you have a shrubby jasmine, you can shape it into a hedge or a border.

5. Prune your jasmine plant regularly to keep it healthy and bushy. Jasmine plants can grow very fast and become leggy or invasive if not pruned. You can prune your jasmine plant after it finishes blooming, usually in late winter or early spring. Cut off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and trim back any long or unruly stems. You can also pinch off the tips of new growth to encourage branching and flowering.

How to Grow Jasmine Flower from a Cutting

If you don't have a jasmine plant, you can also grow jasmine flower from a cutting. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Take a cutting from a healthy jasmine plant. Choose a stem that has at least 3 to 4 nodes (the points where leaves emerge) and some buds or flowers. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a node, using a sharp and sterile knife or scissors. Remove the lower leaves and any buds or flowers from the cutting.

2. Dip the cut end of the cutting in some rooting hormone or honey. This will help the cutting to develop roots faster and prevent infection.

3. Insert the cutting into a pot or container filled with moist potting soil or compost. Make sure that at least one node is buried in the soil. You can also use a clear plastic bottle or a plastic bag to cover the cutting and create a mini greenhouse. This will keep the cutting humid and warm, which will promote rooting.

4. Place the pot or container in a bright and warm spot, but away from direct sunlight. Water the cutting regularly, but don't overwater it. You can also mist the cutting with a spray bottle to keep it moist.

5. Check the cutting for roots after 4 to 6 weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting to see if it resists. You can also carefully remove the cutting from the soil and inspect the roots. If the cutting has developed roots, you can transplant it to your garden or a larger pot, following the same steps as for a plant.

How to Care for Your Jasmine Flower

Once you have grown your jasmine flower, you need to take good care of it to keep it healthy and happy. Here are some tips to follow:

- Water your jasmine flower regularly, but don't overwater it. Jasmine plants like moist but not soggy soil. You can check the soil with your finger before watering. If the top inch of the soil feels dry, you can water your jasmine plant. If the soil feels wet, you can wait until it dries out a bit.

- Fertilize your jasmine flower once a month during the growing season, from spring to fall. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer, following the instructions on the label. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or worm castings. Avoid fertilizing your jasmine plant in winter, when it is dormant.

- Protect your jasmine flower from pests and diseases. Jasmine plants are generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but they can sometimes be affected by aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies, fungal infections, or bacterial infections. You can prevent these problems by keeping your jasmine plant clean, well-watered, well-pruned, and well-ventilated. You can also use natural remedies such as neem oil, soap spray, or garlic spray to treat any infestations or infections.

- Enjoy your jasmine flower and its fragrance. Jasmine flowers are not only beautiful, but also aromatic. They can fill your garden or your home with a sweet and relaxing scent. You can also use jasmine flowers for various purposes, such as making tea, perfume, oil, or medicine. Jasmine flowers are also edible and can be used to flavor desserts, salads, or drinks.

Conclusion

Jasmine flower is a wonderful addition to any garden or home. It is easy to grow and care for, and it rewards you with stunning and fragrant blooms. You can grow jasmine flower from a plant or a cutting, and enjoy its beauty and aroma all year round. I hope this blog post has inspired you to grow jasmine flower in your garden. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy gardening!

#JasmineGarden #HowToGrowJasmine #JasmineFlowerTips #JasmineLovers #GardeningWithJasmine

The Secrets of the Kala Titar: A Rare and Beautiful Bird Species

Birds: The Amazing Wildlife of Pakistan

Birds are a diverse group of animals that belong to the class Aves. They are characterized by feathers, wings, beaks, and a high metabolic rate. Birds can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from the polar regions to the tropics, and from the mountains to the oceans. Birds play important roles in the ecosystem, such as pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, controlling pests, and scavenging carrion.

Pakistan 🇵🇰 is home to more than 1,300 species of birds, making it one of the richest countries in terms of avian diversity. India's birds include endemic species, such as the Himalayan monal, the Nilgiri flycatcher, and the Andaman woodpecker, as well as migratory species, such as the Siberian crane, the Amur falcon, and the bar-headed goose. Pakistani birds also reflect the country's cultural and religious diversity, as some birds are considered sacred, such as the peacock, the national bird of Indian and Pakistan, the sarus crane, and the brahminy kite.

One of the most popular and widespread birds in Pakistan is the grey francolin, also known as the teetar or kala titar. The grey francolin is a medium-sized game bird that inhabits open cultivated lands, scrub forests, and grasslands. It has a grey-brown and buff body, with a black throat and a rufous collar. The male has one or two spurs on the legs, while the female lacks them. The grey francolin feeds on seeds, grains, insects, and worms. It is a social bird that forms flocks of up to 40 individuals. It has a loud and distinctive call, which sounds like "ka-tee-tar...tee-tar" or "kik-kik-kik". The grey francolin is often hunted for sport and food, and is also kept as a pet by some people.

Another interesting bird that can be found in Pakistan is the black francolin, also known as the kala teetar or the black partridge. The black francolin is a close relative of the grey francolin, but has a black body with white spots on the flanks, a white patch on the cheek, and a chestnut collar. The male also has spurs on the legs, while the female has a brown head and underparts. The black francolin inhabits wetlands, marshes, and cultivated fields near water. It feeds on seeds, grains, shoots, and insects. It is a shy and elusive bird that prefers to run rather than fly when disturbed. It has a similar call to the grey francolin, but with a higher pitch and a faster tempo. The black francolin is the state bird of Haryana, and is also eaten in some parts of India Pakistan and Iran.

Birds are fascinating creatures that enrich our lives with their beauty, songs, and behaviors. They also provide us with many benefits, such as food, feathers, and fertilizer. However, many birds are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Therefore, it is important to conserve and protect the birds and their habitats, and to appreciate and respect their diversity and value. 

The Secrets of the Kala Titar: A Rare and Beautiful Bird Species

The kala titar, also known as the black francolin or the black partridge, is a game bird in the pheasant family that inhabits the plains and drier parts of the Indian subcontinent and Iran. It is the state bird of Haryana, India, where it is locally known as kaala teetar,  ڪارو تتر It is also eaten in some parts of India and Iran, where it is considered a delicacy. 

The kala titar is a medium-sized bird, with a black body with white spots on the flanks, a white patch on the cheek, and a chestnut collar. The male has spurs on the legs, while the female has a brown head and underparts. The kala titar feeds on seeds, grains, shoots, and insects. It is a shy and elusive bird that prefers to run rather than fly when disturbed. It has a loud and distinctive call, which sounds like "klik cheek-cheek-cheerakik", "kik-kik-kik" or "kwee-kweeeee-kwee".

The kala titar is a rare and beautiful bird species that faces many threats, such as habitat loss, hunting, poaching, and climate change. It is classified as least concern by the IUCN, but its population is declining in some areas. ¹ It is protected by law in India, where it is illegal to hunt, trap, or keep it as a pet. However, some people still do so for sport, food, or entertainment.

The kala titar is a symbol of love and fidelity in Indian culture, as it is believed to mate for life and remain faithful to its partner. It is also associated with courage, strength, and wisdom. Some people believe that the kala titar can bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to those who see or hear it.

The kala titar is one of the many amazing wildlife of India, which boasts of more than 1,300 species of birds. India's birds include endemic species, such as the Himalayan monal, the Nilgiri flycatcher, and the Andaman woodpecker, as well as migratory species, such as the Siberian crane, the Amur falcon, and the bar-headed goose. Pakistani birds also reflect the country's cultural and religious diversity, as some birds are considered sacred, such as the peacock, the national bird of India, the sarus crane, and the brahminy kite.

The kala titar is a remarkable bird that deserves our admiration and respect. It is a part of India's rich natural and cultural heritage, and we should strive to conserve and protect it and its habitat for future generations.

Sources:

Black francolin - Wikipedia

Grey francolin - Wikipedia

Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary - WildTrails | The One-Stop Destination

46 Common Birds Of Maharashtra - The Worlds Rarest Birds

#kalatitar #birdfacts #indianbirds #wildlifeconservation #birdphotography

How to Watch the Full Moons and Lunar Eclipses of 2024

Full Moon 2024: A Guide to the Lunar Events of the Year

The year 2024 will be a spectacular one for lunar enthusiasts, as it will feature 12 full moons, each with its own unique name and meaning. The full moon is the phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated by the sun, as seen from Earth. The full moon occurs once every 29.5 days, or about once a month, depending on the lunar cycle.

The full moon is not only a beautiful sight to behold, but also a source of inspiration and fascination for many cultures and traditions around the world. The full moon has been associated with various myths, legends, rituals, festivals, and celebrations, as well as with the effects and influences that it may have on human behavior and emotions.

The names of the full moons are derived from the seasons, the natural phenomena, the animals, the plants, or the events that occur during the month of the full moon. The names of the full moons vary depending on the region, the culture, or the source of reference. Some of the most common names of the full moons are based on the Native American, the Colonial American, or the Old English traditions.

The following is a list of the full moons of 2024, along with their dates, times, names, and meanings.

January 25, 2024 Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon is named after the howling of the wolves that could be heard during the cold and snowy nights of January. The Wolf Moon is also known as the Old Moon, the Ice Moon, or the Snow Moon. The Wolf Moon of 2024 will occur at 12:54 p.m. EST.

February 24, 2024 Snow Moon

 The Snow Moon is named after the heavy snowfall that typically occurs during the month of February. The Snow Moon is also known as the Hunger Moon, the Storm Moon, or the Bone Moon, as it was a time of scarcity and hardship for the Native Americans. The Snow Moon of 2024 will occur at 7:30 a.m. EST.

March 25, 2024 Worm Moon

The Worm Moon is named after the earthworms that begin to emerge from the thawing soil in March, signaling the arrival of spring. The Worm Moon is also known as the Sap Moon, the Crow Moon, or the Crust Moon, as it marks the time of the maple syrup harvest, the cawing of the crows, or the crusty snow. The Worm Moon of 2024 will occur at 3:00 a.m. EST.

April 23, 2024 Pink Moon

The Pink Moon is named after the pink flowers of the wild ground phlox that bloom in April, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The Pink Moon is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, or the Fish Moon, as it signifies the growth of the vegetation, the fertility of the animals, or the spawning of the fish. The Pink Moon of 2024 will occur at 7:49 p.m. EST.

May 23, 2024 Flower Moon

The Flower Moon is named after the abundance of flowers that blossom in May, creating a fragrant and colourful display. The Flower Moon is also known as the Corn Planting Moon, the Milk Moon, or the Hare Moon, as it marks the time of the corn planting, the milking of the cows, or the mating of the hares. The Flower Moon of 2024 will occur at 9:53 a.m. EST.

June 21, 2024 Strawberry Moon

The Strawberry Moon is named after the ripening of the strawberries that are ready to be picked in June. The Strawberry Moon is also known as the Rose Moon, the Hot Moon, or the Mead Moon, as it coincides with the blooming of the roses, the rising of the temperatures, or the making of the honey wine. The Strawberry Moon of 2024 will occur at 9:08 p.m. EST.

July 21, 2024 Buck Moon

The Buck Moon is named after the antlers of the male deer that begin to grow in July, preparing for the mating season. The Buck Moon is also known as the Thunder Moon, the Hay Moon, or the Wort Moon, as it reflects the frequent thunderstorms, the harvesting of the hay, or the gathering of the herbs. The Buck Moon of 2024 will occur at 6:17 a.m. EST.

August 19, 2024 Sturgeon Moon

The Sturgeon Moon is named after the sturgeon, a large and ancient fish that is more easily caught in August. The Sturgeon Moon is also known as the Red Moon, the Green Corn Moon, or the Grain Moon, as it relates to the reddish hue of the moon, the ripening of the corn, or the harvesting of the grains. The Sturgeon Moon of 2024 will occur at 2:26 p.m. EST.

September 17, 2024 Corn Moon

The Corn Moon is named after the corn, one of the main crops that is harvested in September. The Corn Moon is also known as the Harvest Moon, the Barley Moon, or the Fruit Moon, as it coincides with the autumnal equinox, the reaping of the barley, or the picking of the fruits. The Corn Moon of 2024 will occur at 10:34 p.m. EST.

October 17, 2024 Hunter's Moon

The Hunter's Moon is named after the hunting of the game that is done in October, in preparation for the winter. The Hunter's Moon is also known as the Blood Moon, the Travel Moon, or the Dying Grass Moon, as it evokes the blood of the prey, the migration of the birds, or the withering of the grass. The Hunter's Moon of 2024 will occur at 7:26 a.m. EST.

November 15, 2024 Beaver Moon.

The Beaver Moon is named after the beavers, the industrious rodents that build their dams and lodges in November, before the onset of the frost. The Beaver Moon is also known as the Frost Moon, the Mourning Moon, or the Oak Moon, as it signifies the first frost, the end of the harvest, or the strength of the oak tree. The Beaver Moon of 2024 will occur at 4:28 p.m. EST.

December 15, 2024 Cold Moon

The Cold Moon is named after the cold weather that sets in December, bringing snow and ice. The Cold Moon is also known as the Long Night Moon, the Moon Before Yule, or the Bitter Moon, as it corresponds to the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, or the harshness of the season. The Cold Moon of 2024 will occur at 4:02 a.m. EST.

The full moon 2024 calendar is a great way to keep track of the lunar events of the year, and to learn more about the history and culture behind the names of the full moons. The full moon 2024 calendar can also help you to plan and schedule your activities according to the lunar cycle, and to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the moonlight.

Source:

2024 Full Moon calendar: Dates, times, types, and names

Full Moon 2024 - Full Moon Dates and Times - Today's Moon Phase.

Full Moons 2024: Calendar dates of 12 full moons - New Moon Maven

2024 Full Moon Calendar: When are the full moons this year?

Getty Images

How Petrol Prices in Sukkur Affect the Economy and the People

How PSO Ogera Affects Petrol Prices in Sukkur Region

PSO Ogera is a fuel additive that is used by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) to enhance the quality and performance of petrol. PSO Ogera is claimed to provide benefits such as improved engine power, reduced emissions, and better fuel economy¹. However, PSO Ogera also affects the petrol prices in Sukkur region, as it is added to the regular petrol at an extra cost. In this article, we will explore how PSO Ogera affects the petrol prices in Sukkur region, and what are the implications for the consumers and the economy.

The Cost of PSO Ogera

According to PSO, PSO Ogera is added to the regular petrol at a rate of 0.5% by volume¹. This means that for every liter of petrol, 5 milliliters of PSO Ogera is added. The cost of PSO Ogera is not disclosed by PSO, but according to some sources, it is around Rs. 10 per liter². This means that for every liter of petrol, the cost of PSO Ogera is Rs. 0.5. Therefore, the petrol price in Sukkur region is increased by Rs. 0.5 per liter due to PSO Ogera.

The Impact of PSO Ogera on Petrol Prices in Sukkur Region

The petrol price in Sukkur region is determined by various factors, such as the global oil market dynamics, the exchange rate movements, the government policies, and the taxes. However, PSO Ogera also plays a role in influencing the petrol price in Sukkur region, as it adds an extra cost to the regular petrol. As of March 2024, the petrol price in Sukkur region is Rs. 290.88 per liter³, which includes Rs. 0.5 per liter for PSO Ogera. This means that PSO Ogera accounts for 0.17% of the petrol price in Sukkur region.

The impact of PSO Ogera on petrol prices in Sukkur region may seem negligible, as it only adds Rs. 0.5 per liter to the regular petrol. However, this impact can be significant when multiplied by the volume of petrol consumption in Sukkur region. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the total petrol consumption in Sindh province was 1,026,000 metric tons in 2022-23⁴. Assuming that Sukkur region accounts for 10% of the total petrol consumption in Sindh province, the total petrol consumption in Sukkur region was 102,600 metric tons in 2022-23. This translates to 128,250,000 liters of petrol in Sukkur region in 2022-23. Therefore, the total cost of PSO Ogera for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region was Rs. 64,125,000 in 2022-23. This is a significant amount of money that could have been saved or spent on other goods and services by the petrol consumers in Sukkur region.

The Implications of PSO Ogera for the Consumers and the Economy

The cost of PSO Ogera for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region has both positive and negative implications for the consumers and the economy. On the positive side, PSO Ogera may provide some benefits for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region, such as improved engine power, reduced emissions, and better fuel economy. These benefits may enhance the driving experience, reduce the environmental impact, and save some money on fuel expenses for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region. Moreover, PSO Ogera may also generate some revenue for PSO, which is the largest oil marketing company in Pakistan. This revenue may help PSO to invest in its operations, infrastructure, and innovation, and contribute to the economic growth and development of the country.

On the negative side, PSO Ogera may also impose some costs for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region, such as increased petrol prices, reduced purchasing power, and lower disposable income. These costs may affect the affordability and availability of petrol for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region, especially for the low-income and vulnerable segments of the society. Moreover, PSO Ogera may also create some distortions in the petrol market, as it may reduce the competition and transparency in the petrol pricing mechanism. This may affect the efficiency and fairness of the petrol market, and create some challenges for the regulation and oversight of the petrol sector.

Conclusion

PSO Ogera is a fuel additive that is used by PSO to enhance the quality and performance of petrol. PSO Ogera also affects the petrol prices in Sukkur region, as it is added to the regular petrol at an extra cost. The cost of PSO Ogera for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region is Rs. 0.5 per liter, which accounts for 0.17% of the petrol price in Sukkur region. The cost of PSO Ogera for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region has both positive and negative implications for the consumers and the economy. Therefore, it is important for the petrol consumers in Sukkur region to be aware of the benefits and costs of PSO Ogera, and make informed decisions about their petrol consumption and expenditure.

Source:

Hascol Petrol Station- tariq

Pakistan State Oil Company Limited

Petrol Prices in Pakistan