World Migratory Bird Day 2023 - A huge success!

Water was indeed the star of the show at this year´s World Migratory Bird Day in Urdaibai!

Up in the sky hundreds of swifts and swallows could be seen flying against a backdrop of dramatic black clouds. The heavens opened and the rain was welcome. However, we took the decision to hold our events a week later than scheduled.

Luck was on our side and on Sunday 21st visitors were able to enjoy our guided walk, ringing session and visit to the center.

The walk began at the new fresh water ponds we have been developing as part of the Next Generation Project.

These habitats are among the most biodiverse and ecologically important globally and provide a significant opportunity to reverse the decline of aquatic biodiversity. Here participants could enjoy the aquatic vegetation, invertebrates and amphibians.

The watery walk then continued in the marsh and along the river. Here participants learnt about how different birds use the habitats and also the tides influence the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, in our scientific ringing session, others were immersed in bird identification, tracking methods and habitat conservation. They saw a variety of species: great tits, nuthatches, chaffinches, and even a greater spotted woodpecker.

World Migratory Bird Day was a great opportunity for Urdaibai Bird Center to raise awareness and  share the importance of water along the Flyway. The theme was particularly appropriate as we are all becoming more conscious of how vital and scarce it is.

We would like to thank all who participated.