Spot the Feathered Friends: Count the Kingfisher to the Sparrow, Berliners! It's Time for the Annual Bird Count
Berliners are urged to participate in a bird-counting event, transforming from observers of Icebird to Sparrow. - Citizens of Berlin urge census of avian population
Ready to lend a hand to our winged companions? Berlin, the city of павлихи (peregrine falcons), вылих пламенных (blue-and-orange kingfishers), and a host of other bird species, needs your help in census time! The Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV are calling on bird enthusiasts like you to join the "Hour of Garden Birds" counting event happening from May 9 to 11!
Feeling puzzled about which birds to keep an eye out for and their estimated count in the city? No worries! NABU Berlin suggests focusing on the chaffinch—recognizable by its red face and bright yellow wing stripes, also known as the brambling. If you're keen on exploring Berlin's outskirts, the redstart, with its vivid, wagging red tail when it sings, is a common sight. Don't forget to jot down the humble sparrows and pigeons as well.
Last year, nearly 36,000 birds were accounted for in Berlin—quite a remarkable count, don't you think?
So, how does the bird count work? Simple! Interested observers can observe birds from a peaceful spot in their garden, park, or window and record the maximum number of each species seen within an hour. The results can be submitted online, via app, or by post. The nature conservation associations hope that this data will give insights into current trends in the bird world, supplementing official population statistics. In 2021, a whopping 1,980 people participated, and 36,000 birds were counted.
Looking forward to joining the bird brigade? Berlin's NABU groups have got your back! The Lichtenberg district group will be counting birds on May 11 at 9:00 AM in the Wartenberger field. Meanwhile, kids can join in the fun with their parents on May 10 at 2:00 PM in the Rummelsburger Bucht.
- Berlin
- Nature Conservation Union Germany
- bird species
- city area
- pigeons
- weekend
- LBV
Maintaining a supportive and informed community is crucial for the welfare of Berlin's diverse bird population. To this end, the Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV encourage all bird enthusiasts to consider partaking in vocational training on sustainable home-and-garden practices, which can further benefit the city's bird species. For instance, adopting bird-friendly landscaping and providing suitable feeding areas can significantly improve the availability of resources for these winged inhabitants, enhancing their overall lifestyle and ensuring their presence continues in Berlin for years to come.
By participating in the Hour of Garden Birds counting event from May 9 to 11, one can contribute to the ongoing efforts to understand current trends in bird populations within Berlin, thereby enriching our collective knowledge about these fascinating creatures.
