The Rooks have returned

The press service of the Ministry of Ecology and Nature Management of the Moscow region reported that the first returning migratory birds were recorded in the region: rooks, greenfinches and blue gulls. Experts noted the early arrival of birds this year. In their opinion, it may be associated with a change in weather conditions.

Rooks are among the first birds to arrive from warm countries. Usually their arrival takes place towards the end of March. In recent years, rooks have been returning between March 18th and 21st. Greenfinches and blue gulls were also spotted in the Moscow region. Experts suggest that some migratory birds may not have flown anywhere, remaining to winter in cities on ice-free areas of reservoirs. For example, ogars and swans have been wintering in the region for several years.

"This is due to favorable conditions and feeding them by our citizens. Therefore, it is possible that some rooks, greenfinches and seagulls stayed in the Moscow region for the winter. A few years ago in February, rooks were celebrated in cities near container sites, seagulls near non-freezing areas of reservoirs, and greenfinches on feeders at meals," the message says.

Ornithologists claim that some species of migratory birds are gradually urbanizing. Their brethren, gray crows, pigeons and sparrows have long been favored by cities and have become synanthropic species.