Yearly bird census in Latvia tallies up 53 bird species
The annual "Report Birds in the Garden" campaign, now in its ninth year, took place from January 24 to January 26, 2025, across Latvia. This citizen science initiative encourages people to observe and report bird species found in their gardens, contributing to valuable data on local birdlife and conservation efforts.
During the three-day event, more than 10,000 birds were counted at 278 bird-feeding sites across the country. The most frequently reported species were the great tit, with 1,201 birds recorded, followed by the field sparrow (1,134), house sparrow (664), crow (492), and greenfinch (544).
Since its inception in 2017, the campaign has been instrumental in gathering data on garden birds across Latvia, contributing to ornithological research and the atlas of wintering birds in Latvia. Participants can report their findings on the nature observation portal or the mobile app Dabasadati.lv.
Agnese Gaile, a representative of LOB, highlighted the campaign's significance, stating, "The 'Report Birds in the Garden' campaign not only helps us understand the distribution and abundance of garden birds but also raises awareness about the importance of conserving our local birdlife."
The idea for the campaign originated in the UK, where birds have been counted in gardens during winter since 1979. Similar activities have been taking place in neighbouring countries and elsewhere in Europe.
Experts in Latvia emphasise that people can best assist birds not by feeding them (especially in summer), but by creating and maintaining welcoming habitats and avoiding environmental pollution that harms avian life, such as littering with plastic or leaving fishing gear behind. This reflects a broader conservation ethos linked to campaigns like "Report Birds in the Garden," which promote informed and responsible engagement with birdlife.
For those interested in the full history or specifics of the campaign from 2017 to 2025, consulting Latvian birdwatching or environmental organizations' websites may provide comprehensive archives. The data collected from the "Report Birds in the Garden" campaign serves as an invaluable resource for understanding and conserving Latvia's birdlife, fostering a connection between people and nature, and promoting environmental stewardship at a community level.
- For individuals passionate about science and health-and-wellness, participating in the "Report Birds in the Garden" campaign can offer a unique opportunity to contribute to environmental-science research, as data collected from the initiative helps in understanding and conserving Latvia's birdlife.
- By creating and maintaining welcoming habitats and minimizing environmental pollution, as recommended by Latvian experts, individuals can demonstrate a commitment to the care and well-being of birds, aligning with conservation ethos promoted by campaigns like "Report Birds in the Garden."
