Volunteers from Berehovo’s public center “Everyone Can Help” recently conducted an environmental and educational session titled “Birds that winter in our region.” The workshop, led by Leonid Pokrytyuk, an ornithologist with the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe, used engaging didactic activities to teach youngsters about recognizing and preserving wintering birds in Transcarpathia.
Thematic tables adorned with various types of migratory birds, their dietary preferences, and ideas for constructing houses and feeders became focal points for the young participants. The session delved into the intricate biological characteristics of the captivating bullfinches, aiming to dispel prevalent misconceptions. In particular, the children were surprised to learn that the common bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is a year-round resident in Ukraine, nesting in the Carpathians and Polissia during spring and migrating across the country in winter.
Leonid Pokrytyuk clarified that the belief in their seasonal migration stems from the bird’s vibrant plumage, which stands out against the winter backdrop. The male bullfinch boasts a strikingly colorful appearance, with a bright red lower body, gray back, black-tipped tail, and a distinctive black cap on its head. The contrasting white areas under and above the tail add to its visual allure. In contrast, females exhibit lighter hues, replacing red with brownish-gray in their plumage, while young birds lack the characteristic black cap.
The ornithologist also told about the bullfinch’s diet, discovering that it eats not just rowan berries but also ash, birch, quinoa, and other seeds. The youngsters were interested to learn that bullfinches remain in food-rich regions, demonstrating minimal fear of human presence. Inspired by their newfound knowledge, the young participants created and installed a feeder packed with food for the bullfinch, anxious to admire its beauty over the winter months.
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
