Spy on the Sky: Dive into Berlin's Aviary Landscape with NABU's City-Wide Bird Count Extravaganza
Berlin residents urged for avian census participation along Spree Road - Residents of Berlin urge bird census
Get ready to swap binoculars for birdwatching as the city of Berlin prepares for its annual urban avian census! Oh, and don't be surprised if you spot a peregrine falcon sans Superman or a flash of the blue-orange kingfisher, since they grace the concrete jungle as well. Curiosity piqued? Here's the lowdown.
The Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV are teaming up with the public to pinpoint bird species flourishing citywide during the "Hour of Garden Birds" event, happening May 9-11. Keen-eyed citizens are encouraged to don their spectral-vision glasses and observe our fine-feathered friends from a quiet perch in the garden, a park, or even from the comfort of their own window, jotting down the maximum number of each species observed within an hour. Want a steer? NABU Berlin recommends keeping an eye out for chaffinches, identifiable by their red beak and yellow wing stripes, also known as brambling. The more common species, like sparrows and pigeons, shouldn't be overlooked, either.
Last year, an astounding 36,000 birds were counted across Berlin! To participate, submit your findings via the web, an app, or post. The data collected will contribute to enlightening insights into current trends in the bird world, supplementing official population statistics. Last year, a whopping 1,980 Berliners participated, contributing to the impressive bird count.
Feeling a bit lost? Fear not! Berlin's NABU groups are leading excursions over the counting weekend. Join the Lichtenberg district group on May 11 at 9:00 AM for a jaunt through the Wartenberger field. Hungry for more family fun? Drop by the Rummelsburger Bucht on May 10 at 2:00 PM for a kids-friendly birdwatching experience with their parents.
Now, you might be wondering, "What about the avian fauna beyond Berlin?" Well, nearby areas like the Stangenhagener Polder and the Nature Park Nuthe-Nieplitz are teeming with exciting species such as:
- Common Crane (Grus grus)
- Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
- White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
- Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
- Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
- Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
- Egrets (various species)
If you're in pursuit of more localized birding intel, consider reaching out to associations like the Berliner Ornithologischer Verein for accurate data on bird populations within Berlin itself, or use apps like Merlin Bird ID (powered by eBird) to help identify species and track sightings in the area.
Happy birdwatching, Berliners!
In the spirit of nature conservation, let's delve into discussion about the Community policy concerning bird populations in Berlin. Perhaps, we could also explore the potential benefits of vocational training programs focusing on home-and-garden lifestyle, such as creating bird-friendly gardens to support the thriving avian community observed during the City-Wide Bird Count. For instance, learning about suitable plants for various bird species could be integrated into vocational training, promoting a sustainable lifestyle that enriches both our homes and gardens while benefiting our feathered friends.
