Each year, the ornithological community of Ukraine selects a Bird of the Year, aiming to raise awareness about a particular avian species. This designation entails a comprehensive study of the chosen bird’s population, distribution, and conservation needs. It also leads to a series of engaging activities, including competitions, quizzes, exhibitions, and conservation initiatives, all designed to shed light on the life of this year’s symbolic bird in the natural world. The distinguished Bird of the Year for 2023 is the black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), a bird that finds its nesting grounds throughout Ukraine, with the notable exceptions of the Carpathians and Crimea.

A special environmental event was organized for students from the Uzhhorod Greek Catholic Private Lyceum “TheoBand,” led by Oksana Kremin, the head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Work at the PADIUN and an expert of the IRCEF. The event was aimed at familiarizing the students with the unique physiology, behaviors, and habitats of this bird species. The children dived into the world of gulls with an interesting multimedia presentation titled “Bird of the Year 2023 is the black-headed gull,” learning exciting information such as:

• The gull serves as a symbol for Tokyo, the capital of Japan.
• Their hues undergo seasonal color changes.
• They are migratory birds, often covering great distances.
• Some individuals of this species have been known to live for more than three decades.
• They primarily nest in colonies near small freshwater bodies of water, which can number in the thousands of pairs.

Mrs. Oksana, the eco-trainer, placed a particular emphasis on the importance of bird protection. The Black-headed gull is granted protection under the Bern Convention and the EU Directive on the Protection of Wild Birds. “Birds, like people, are affected by conflicts, forced to abandon their nests and migrate, and sometimes lose their offspring. They have no refuge from the dangers of war, with no shelters to shield them from the impact of missiles or shells”, she explained. The students were captivated by the intellectual game “Fact or Fake”, eagerly answering questions and putting their knowledge to the test.

In the concluding segment of the event, the students showcased their newfound understanding of these feathered creatures by engaging in didactic games, such as “Where is Whose Beak?” They also assembled bird puzzles and tried their hand at bird-themed artwork. In the end, this environmental event left the children with a profound appreciation for the black-headed gull, a remarkable bird known for its distinctive appearance, dynamic life cycle, and unique flight techniques. It stands as a cherished part of the natural world across various regions of the globe, leaving an indelible impression on all fortunate enough to witness it in its wild habitat.

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