Let's Get a Handle on Berlin's Birds: Citizens Encouraged to Join the Avian Census
- ☘️ Know thy city's feathered friends! ☘️
Berliners urged to participate in bird counting, from Eisvogel to Spatz - Citizens of Berlin advocate for a bird census
The Berlin cityscape is home to a variety of avian neighbors. From Peregrine falcons soaring overhead to the vibrant blue and orange kingfishers swooping alongside the bustling Spree, birds of all shapes and sizes call the city home. But which of these winged wonders can be found within the urban jungle, and just how abundant are they? The Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV are eager to find out, and they're enlisting the help of Birdwatch Berlin grassroots groups and the public! The "Hour of Garden Birds" event, happening from May 9 to 11, encourages bird enthusiasts and novices alike to grab their binoculars and count their urban winged neighbors.
Now, you might be wondering, which bird species should I be on the lookout for? Well, according to Birdwatch Berlin, the chaffinch could be lurking about. With its red face and yellow wing stripes, the chaffinch, also known as the brambling, can be hard to miss! For those venturing out to the outskirts, the redstart with its delightful red tail wagging up and down when it sings is a must-see. And let's not forget the common species like sparrows and pigeons that often go unnoticed in the urban hustle and bustle.
Last year, an astonishing 36,000 birds were counted in Berlin during the event!
Curious to contribute? Here's how:
- Observe: Find a quiet spot in your garden, park, or a window, and keep a watchful eye out for our feathered friends for one hour.
- Record: Note down the highest number of each species you spot during your hour-long observation.
- Submit: Results can be submitted via the internet, app, or good old-fashioned mail.
The nature conservation associations are hoping to gain valuable insights into current bird trends that complement official population reports. Last year, 1,980 passionate participants in Berlin recorded an impressive total of 36,000 birds!
Berlin-specific NABU chapters are offering guided excursions during the counting weekend. If you're in the Lichtenberg district, join in on May 11 at 9:00 AM at the Wartenberger field. Families with young birdwatchers can take part in a special event on May 10 at 2:00 PM at Rummelsburger Bay.
📍 Berlin🦦 Birdwatch Berlin🦟 House sparrows, blue tits, common blackbirds, Eurasian nuthatches, rooks, starlings, various finches⏰ Weekend🌐 LBV
[1] https://www.nature.berlin/fauna/vogelwelt/[4] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin#Fauna
- Community members interested in contributing to the understanding of Berlin's bird population can participate in the "Hour of Garden Birds" event, happening from May 9 to 11, which involves observing birds for an hour, recording the highest number of each species, and submitting results either online, via an app, or through traditional mail.
- Beyond the chaffinch, redstart, sparrows, and pigeons, Berlin also offers opportunities to spot home-and-garden friendly birds such as house sparrows, blue tits, common blackbirds, Eurasian nuthatches, rooks, starlings, and various finches, more often found in quiet garden, park, or window settings as part of the annualbird census organized by the Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV.
