Record numbers flock to EuroBirdwatch 2007

08-10-2007

Over the past weekend, 41,000 adults and children from over 31 European countries took up EuroBirdwatch 2007, BirdLife’s invitation to observe the fascinating annual phenomenon of bird migration, as birds move south across Europe for the winter.

BirdLife Partners across Europe were involved -from Spain to Azerbaijan; Malta to Sweden- between them putting together a staggering 1,120 events.

And the birds didn’t disappoint: attendees counted two million of them pass overhead.

EuroBirdwatch -BirdLife’s annual birdwatching event in Europe- works to raise awareness of the issues relating to bird migration, and promotes efforts needed to save threatened bird species and their habitats. For many BirdLife Partners the event provides an opportunity to reach new audiences, and to bring together supporters.

This year, BirdLife Partners organised various events to encourage people of all ages to go out, observe, explore and enjoy birds. At various observation posts at each event people counted birds and the collated records (including attendees) for each event and country were referred to a European Centre, coordinated by SVS/BirdLife Switzerland.

"...the birds didn't disappoint: attendees counted two million of them..."

Ornithological highlights included the first observation of Eider Somateria mollissima in the Marmara Sea in Turkey and the first White-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla in the Skocjan Bay in Slovenia.

In Latvia, LOS (BirdLife in Latvia) used the event to launch a new booklet called ‘How to start birdwatching’. SOS (BirdLife in Slovakia), also drew into the spirit of the event, organising a special painting and photography competition for school children.

Fittingly for an event which focuses on migratory birds spanning countries across Europe, AOS (BirdLife in Azerbaijan) were joined at their event by the ambassadors of Germany and Greece.

The most frequently observed species were: Starling Sturnus vulgaris, Black headed Gull Larus ridibundus and Mallard Anas plathyrhynchos.

Notable accolades go to: RBCU (BirdLife in Russia), who coordinated an incredible 207 events; SEO (BirdLife in Spain) who drew in a fantastic 22,000 participants; and MME (BirdLife in Hungary) who counted an unbelievable 46,100 birds.