Since Friday, nature lovers have been invited again to look outside for an hour and count birds. The nationwide Nabu campaign “Hour of Winter Birds” is intended to provide information on population trends in bird species, especially common species such as house sparrows, great tits and blackbirds. Last year, 9,423 people in Rhineland-Palatinate took part. The house sparrow, great tit, blue tit and blackbird were the most sighted.
This time, too, the Nature Conservation Union (Nabu) is asking you to take an hour from Friday to Sunday to watch birds at the bird feeder, in the garden, on the balcony or in the park.
The highest number of birds of each species seen simultaneously during that hour is noted. The results can be transmitted via a website, an app or by telephone.
Rare and endangered species are recorded in extensive monitoring programs. However, according to experts, expert bird watchers often do not pay attention to the so-called everyday species. The regular observation of thousands gives indications of population trends in these species as well – the infectious disease in blue tits was reflected in a significant decrease in sightings of this species in 2020.
On the occasion of the “Hour of the Winter Birds” 2021, the star spoke to Ute Eggers. The bird protection officer at the Nabu Nature Conservation Union is concerned about the state of the species. You can find out what tips she has ready here.
