While birds often capture our attention with their beauty and enchanting songs during the summer months, their presence tends to go unnoticed in the colder seasons. There’s a common misconception that Ukraine has a sparse population of birds in winter, but this intriguing topic was thoroughly explored by students from Uzhhorod Gymnasium No. 13 during an eco-educational class focused on preserving the birdlife of our country. Ruslana Dzhahman, an expert at the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe, led the session, demonstrating her own interactive presentation adorned with vivid images. The students were treated to a detailed exploration of the primary bird species that inhabit Ukraine during winter, shedding light on the migratory patterns of some birds seeking warmth and sustenance in our country during the colder months.
The list of common wintering birds in Ukraine included the great tit, Eurasian nuthatches, European goldfinch, chaffinches, swans, mallards, sparrows, and more. Mrs. Ruslana explained that these birds face heightened challenges in winter when food becomes less readily available, underscoring the importance of providing them with suitable nourishment. The students received practical recommendations on how to feed each bird species responsibly. Every time Dzhahman introduced a particular bird, she emphasized the strict prohibition of offering bread or fried and salted seeds, cautioning that such foods, though enticing to birds, could prove fatal.
The hands-on portion of the class unfolded in two stages. Initially, the children crafted New Year’s decorations from paper in the shape of birds, intending to adorn their homes on the eve of the holidays. Following that, they ventured outdoors to fill the feeders with delectable treats for the birds. The students joyfully poured raw sunflower seeds into the feeders, envisioning the imminent delight of their feathered friends.
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