Birds are common sights in our daily lives, gracing the streets almost every day. They possess an effortless grace in their movement, present little threat to humans, and often display vibrant and captivating colors. Throughout history, birds have captivated humanity with their remarkable ability to take flight, serving as an inspiration for our quest to conquer the skies. In contemporary times, birding has evolved into a distinct pastime, even an occupation, known as birdwatching. Some bird lovers are willing to embark on global adventures in pursuit of capturing glimpses of avian species they have never before encountered.

While it might be assumed that simply stepping out of the house and observing birds constitutes birdwatching, it’s a bit more complex. This distinction became evident to the students of Turya-Remetivskyi Secondary School when they embarked on a bird-watching excursion, both to observe familiar feathered friends and seek out previously unseen avian species. This educational outing was meticulously arranged by their biology teacher, Orysia Krechko, with the aim of helping students distinguish between various bird species and understand their respective habitats.

Thanks to the educational materials developed through collaborative efforts between the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies and the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe, the students were better prepared to acquaint themselves with the biology and rich diversity of birds in advance. This preparation enabled them to identify different bird species more efficiently during their observation outing. During the excursion, the children diligently sought out the birds they had committed to memory while completing tasks in the didactic game titled “Learning about flora and fauna through play.”

As the students discussed ways in which people can assist birds throughout different seasons, they collectively agreed that it is crucial not only to feed these avian friends but also to protect and create comfortable living environments for them. Their consensus was clear: the more people invest in understanding where birds reside and what sustains them, the greater our chances of preserving the overall ecosystem. The teacher also emphasized that birdwatching serves as an effective tool for environmental education, capturing the attention of teenagers and prompting them to contemplate issues related to environmental conservation.

The event was held within the framework of cooperation between the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) headed by Olexander Bokotey) and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband, NABU International), project coordinators  Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), and Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).

Informational Service of IRCEF