In Teknaf, a rare and heartwarming sight has recently captured the attention of nature lovers — the intricately woven nests of the weaver bird (Babui Pakhi), a species slowly vanishing from rural Bangladesh.
Once, the scenic landscapes of Bengal’s villages were lined with rows of towering palmyra and date palms, where these skillful avian architects would hang their delicate homes. The artistic, teardrop-shaped nests were a familiar and nostalgic part of rural life, often admired for their craftsmanship and symmetry. Today, however, both the trees and the birds are disappearing.
Recently, locals in Teknaf spotted a few weaver birds nesting in a date palm tree. According to residents, the birds’ melodic chirping can be heard at dawn, adding a rare musical serenity to the morning air.
Those who grew up in rural settings often speak of the deep emotional connection with nature’s sounds and sights — and the weaver bird’s nest remains one of the most iconic features of that idyllic past.
Local environmentalists believe that the weaver bird is uniquely gifted in nest-making, earning its reputation as a “master artisan of nature.” But they warn that unawareness and human greed are pushing the species toward extinction. People often hunt these birds, knowingly or unknowingly, and the rapid decline of palm trees, such as the palmyra and date palms, has only worsened their plight.
Due to deforestation and unchecked bird hunting, these once-ubiquitous nests have become rare. Experts emphasize that to preserve biodiversity and protect the environment, it is essential to stop bird hunting and create sanctuaries where birds like the weaver can thrive once more.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Setu
