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From high on his perch, Muxar, the wintering osprey surveys the landscape which has sustained him throughout the colder months.
The ever moving river, the reed beds, the mud flats and the widening estuary make up this natural treasure, the wetland of Urdaibai.
It's time to get together to celebrate the wonder of the wetlands, to unite our voices to protect them and to acknowledge their importance at World Wetlands Day.
We invite you to join us on February 2 when we will be holding two events in collaboration with the Basque Government and the Regional Council of Biscay.
At 10.00 we will start our scientific bird banding session which is open to all. Then at 10.30 there will be a guided walk in the wetlands. Places are limited so it is essential to reserve this activity. (Tel 699 839 202 ) In addition to the ringing session and walk, there will be free entry to the Urdaibai Bird Center throughout the day.
At this time of year, the wetlands offer so much to enjoy.
Winter is losing its grip on the land and spring is stirring. Birds are starting to arrive from.the south on their long journeys north. Flocks of spoonbills stop off in the wetland to take advantage of the food supply and rest for a while.
All around them there are signs of spring. The ducks are in their finest colours and courting the females, the songbirds are putting on a show to announce their territories and find a mate. The whole wetland is waking up to the new season.
Muxar himself will soon be thinking about leaving Urdaibai to breed in the North. Will we protect the wetland in his absence so that he can return next winter? Will he be to able survey a calm, peaceful place from his perch in the year to come?
Join us on World Wetland Day to raise awareness and to protect the wintering grounds of our dear friend Muxar.
Who knows? You might even see this wonderful bird!
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