Getting to know the birds wintering in the Transcarpathian region - IRCEF

IRCEF

Interreligious civil environmental forum of Eastern Europe

Getting to know the birds wintering in the Transcarpathian region

Many birds move to warmer locations as winter gets closer, but some survive the cold or even get to colder areas, bringing a distinct diversity to our region throughout the colder months. While the winter bird population isn’t as diversified as it is during the summer months, the leafless trees make it easier to detect these feathered companions. Among the distinctive wintering birds are the Eurasian bullfinch, yellow cardinal, blackbirds, European robin, and Eurasian jay. During the beginning of winter, these birds frequently migrate closer to human houses in need of help.

At an eco-educational class organized by the “Everyone Can Help” volunteer center in Berehove, schoolchildren learned the process of bird feeding, understanding which foods are appropriate, and the optimal times to provide them. Leonid Pokrytyuk, a volunteer at the center and an expert at the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe, demonstrated how to create a feeder. He explained to the students that during the cold season, it becomes challenging for birds to find food as some insects die, others hibernate, and snow covers seeds and fruits. Thus, winter becomes a critical time for bird feeding. “During periods of food shortage, small birds become the most vulnerable, as their digestion is fast and energetic, and therefore they are in constant need of food,” Leonid explained. Birds, especially young ones, perish before dawn in winter because they are unable to obtain the essential amount of food throughout the daytime”.

Taking a thoughtful approach to winter bird feeding not only assures their survival but also allows you to see the beauty and diversity of the bird world. Through didactic games and handouts developed by IERS (Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies) and IRCEF (Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe) experts in collaboration with the German Nature Conservation Union, the children expanded their knowledge of bird species wintering in Transcarpathia. Students and adults teamed up to make themed souvenirs as a class remembrance.

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

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