Volunteers from the “Everyone Can Help” public center organized an entertaining bird-watching event for youngsters. Leonid Pokrytyuk, an experienced ornithologist at the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe, shared his knowledge about the numerous migrating bird species in Ukraine and the complexities of their wintering behaviors prior to the outdoor journey. Special consideration was given to knowing how to care for these wintering birds, including advice on feeding time and procedures, appropriate feeders, acceptable bird nutrition, and measures to prevent scaring them.

The indoor session involved engaging activities, including tasks from the didactic game “Learning Flora and Fauna by Playing”. These activities were designed to enhance the student’s ability to memorize bird species and facilitate easier recognition during outdoor observations. As a hands-on project, the students built bird feeders for their avian friends, which were later hung in the public center’s yard.

The hands-on experience continued outdoors as the children, equipped with binoculars, joined Mr. Pokrytyuk on a bird-watching expedition. The participants explored the count’s yard, where Mr. Pokrytyuk cares for birds unable to thrive in the wild. The children had the opportunity to meet these feathered wards and learn efficient ways to spot wild birds. The youngsters used binoculars to see crows, sparrows, great tits, and owls near the public center. They also got to observe storks that were unable to migrate because of injuries and spent the winter under the care of Mr. Leonid.

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