Tomorrow, April 1, the world will celebrate an international environmental date − the International Day of Birds, which takes place as part of the UNESCO biological program "Man and the Biosphere" in many countries of the world nowadays. The date of the holiday wasn’t chosen by chance: on April 1, 1906, one of the first environmental conventions, the International Convention for the Protection of Birds, was signed. Every year, the events of this day are aimed at drawing attention to various issues of birds.
One of the main purposes of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is to maintain the habitats and nestings of forest and wetland bird species. In the reserve, which is a Key Bird Area of International Importance, more than 240 species of birds belonging to 18 orders were recorded. Of these, 179 nest in a protected area, important for birds. Of the 70 “Red Book” bird species included in the 4th edition of the Red Book of Belarus, 58 are found in the reserve.
Birds Day is also the time of arrival of birds from places of wintering. Some birds return from the south back to our country, others winter here, then head north, and others only fly over Belarus. The first birds that fly above the territory of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve are representatives of the Duck family.
The heralds of spring have already flown to us − starlings, Eurasian skylarks have begun to sing, lapwings, finches and common reed buntings have been noted. On sunny days you can hear the beautiful singing of blackbirds and song thrushes. Birds that wintered in the Berezinsky Reserve also begin to sing actively.
In spring, it's high time to enjoy the untouched and awakening wildlife. This is perhaps the best period when guests of the reserve can choose one of the many options to "get acquainted" with birds on various thematic tours and excursions. The mating of black grouse has already begun, it can be observed while visiting a unique two-day tour into the wild nature "Live Orchestra" until the end of April. During the tour, you’ll go on an extreme night crossing the raised bog to the black grouse lek − the place of mating activity of these birds. From a specially equipped hideout, you can watch the amazing "marriage games" of black grouse.
While the rivers are overflowing, we have an excursion “Meet the birds”. A significant number of migratory birds pass through the reserve. In the floodplain of the Berezina, flocks of waterfowl (swans, geese, ducks, gulls, sandpipers) stop for daytime rest, large daytime predators hunt. Observation of the spring migration of birds takes place from an observation tower in the floodplain of the river Berezina in the heart of the reserve.
A month later, on April 30 - May 1, the reserve will host the "Reserved Frame" photobirding competition. You will have the opportunity to become part of a large community of birdwatchers − people who have made exciting photo hunting and bird watching a part of their lives. A close acquaintance with the birds will help to see the profound beauty of the protected nature, and the winners of the competition will receive pleasant gifts.
In the second half of May, you can hear a real "natural concert" on the evening excursion “Nightingale Nights”. The nightingale is considered one of the best singers in the “feathered” world. His song varies and consists of separate verses, the so-called “knees”. But in order to hear the nightingale well, you need to take your time and go around more than one tree-shrub array. During the "nightingale" excursion, be prepared to use your eyesight and hearing as much as possible, as well as be very observant.
The exclusive tour "Nestings Trail" will be held as part of the May tour "Night of Museums in Berezinsky". Participants will be able to see many birds through binoculars, hear their singing and learn interesting information about birds from the guide. Also, guests will see various birds’ houses and find out the features of their construction.
Birds are the pride of our reserve, they are given much attention. And if you, like us, love the world of birds and want to join us, then you’re invited to the excursions and bird watching tours in the wild.
