A record number of observers took part in the Eurasian Bird Census

The press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources reported on the results of the Eurasian bird census. The purpose of this annual event is to attract the attention of the general public to the study and conservation of migratory birds. This year, 5,763 people from 63 regions of the country joined the register.

They managed to count 164,532 birds belonging to 343 species. The most common species this year were the common starling, mallard and rock pigeon.

The accounting results have scientific value. Data on the species and quantity composition of birds collected by volunteers is used by protected area ornithologists, scientific and educational institutions.
This year, 28 specially protected natural areas of federal significance took part in the Eurasian census: 16 state reserves, 11 national parks and one joint directorate of protected areas. Participation in the protected area campaign increases the scientific value of the project.

National parks and nature reserves in particular took part in team competitions. In the “Number of Birds” category, first place was taken by the “Reserved Crimea” team of the protected area of the same name with a result of 54,888 birds. The Vodlozersky Observers team from the Vodlozersky National Park took second place in this nomination. The third place was taken by the Kunashir team from the Kuril Nature Reserve.
In the “Number of Participants” category, the first place was taken by the “Vodlozero Observers” team.
During the census, employees and volunteers of the protected area noted species listed in the Red Book of Russia. These include the white-billed loon, crested cormorant, pink pelican, ibis, spoonbill, black stork, saker falcon, gyrfalcon, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, steppe eagle, black vulture, bustard, Siberian crane, Japanese crane and many other species.