In the ornithological realm, the month of November brings forth a special celebration known as Great Tit Day, dedicated to honoring and safeguarding these charming birds. The primary objective is to underscore the significance of providing feeders to support their survival during the cold weather. Widely regarded as one of Ukraine’s most beneficial birds, the great tit serves as a vital contributor to ecological balance, acting as both a forest and garden sanitarium. Remarkably, a single great tit can consume up to 400 caterpillars in a day, making it a valuable ally in pest control. Unlike many migratory birds, great tits choose to spend the winter in their homeland, favoring proximity to human settlements during the colder months. Students from the Uzhhorod Greek Catholic Private Lyceum “TheoBand” shared their admiration for these birds’ vibrant colors by creating imaginative illustrations of them.
Oksana Kremin, Head of the Ecology and Environmental Work Department at the Transcarpathian Regional Center for Children and Youth Creativity “PADIUN” and an IRCEF specialist, led the educational environmental event, which immersed children in a multimedia presentation. They learned about the various types of great tits as well as amazing facts such as the unusual nesting habit, which allows them to build a house in the shape of a glove.
Mrs. Oksana emphasized winter care for the birds, recognizing the challenges they encounter in getting food during hard frosts. Birds feed on berries such as rowan, hawthorn, rose hips, and viburnum. Feeders can be filled with dried fruit from apples and pears, sunflower seeds, pumpkin, flax, unroasted peanuts, and hazelnuts to help them survive. Notably, these birds prefer fat in their diet. An intellectual quiz focused on the great tit gave an intriguing depth to the occasion, with youngsters avidly answering questions.
The environmental event left an indelible impression on the participants, reinforcing the understanding that the great tit is not just a visually striking bird but also a vital force in the natural ecosystem. The unanimous agreement among the children emphasized the collective commitment to preserving and cherishing these valuable birds.
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).
Oksana Kremin,
Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection at PADIUN and IERS expert
