Eurobirdwatch 2014 sees 2.5 million migrating birds

This video is about bird migration.

Eurobirdwatch 2014 sees 2.5 million migrants in the air

By Elodie Cantaloube, Mon, 20/10/2014 – 08:18

On the weekend 4–5 October, over 23,000 people took part in the most exciting nature event of the autumn: the annual Eurobirdwatch. From Portugal to Kazakhstan, from Malta to Norway, BirdLife Partners invited people of all ages to discover and observe the fascinating migration of birds. The result of these two days of fun, exchange and learning was the observation of over 2.5 million birds as they migrated to southern countries in search of suitable wintering grounds.

In autumn, some species of birds, the so-called migratory birds, leave the north, where they breed in spring and summer and head to their wintering grounds in the south. The migration of several thousands of birds of different species is a unique spectacle; the BirdLife Partnership aims to offer everyone the opportunity to witness it.

Eurobirdwatch was created for this very reason: every year, on the first weekend of October when migrations reach their peak, BirdLife Partners organise a range of birdwatching events throughout Europe and Central Asia and encourage children, families, bird lovers and the simply curious to join them to enjoy the show.

This year, for the 21st anniversary of Eurobirdwatch, about 900 events were organised by BirdLife Partners in 40 countries. The most frequently seen species were Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris, Common Coot Fulica atra and Mallard Anas platyrhynchos.

Over the years, Eurobirdwatch has become increasingly successful, attracting growing numbers of participants, and becoming a magnet for VIPs wanting to participate. This year, the Diplomatic Corps in Montenegro, the British Ambassador in Uzbekistan, the US Ambassador, the Deputy Minister of Nature Protection and special representatives of NGOs in Armenia as well as the Minister for Health and the Environment in Gibraltar all took part.

Find more information about the events, the ornithological highlights in every country and photos of the 21st Eurobirdwatch at www.eurobirdwatch.eu.