International Migratory Bird Day: Autumn Migration

Today is International Migratory Bird Day - a day dedicated to one of the most captivating natural phenomena: the autumn migration of feathered creatures. This reminds everyone of the incredible journeys undertaken by millions of birds, which each year embark on the long journey south. The announcement came from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB).

The presence of thousands of feathered creatures in the sky is an inspiring spectacle. The migratory routes of birds pass through Europe and continue south, as they demonstrate astonishing endurance and adaptability. A large part of them bravely cross the Mediterranean Sea and the unpredictable Sahara Desert to reach their destination - Sub-Saharan Africa. The BSPB emphasizes that many of the birds migrating through Central and Eastern Europe follow the course of the Danube River, which serves as a natural migratory corridor.

But behind the beauty of this natural wonder lies the harsh reality of survival. "Migration is a test of survival - thousands of birds die each year due to risks associated with human activities," shares Svilen Cheshmedjiev from the BSPB. Among the most serious threats are collisions with power lines and electric shocks, which often lead to instant death or serious injuries.

In response to these threats, the BSPB participates in the international project "Safe Flight for Birds on the Danube". This project brings together environmental organizations, energy companies, national parks, and railway companies from seven Danube countries. In Bulgaria, partners in the project are the BSPB and "Electrical Distribution Networks West" EAD. Within the framework of the project, they plan to secure 1200 dangerous for birds electrical poles and to install diverters on 15 km of overhead power lines.

International Migratory Bird Day has been celebrated since 2018 twice a year, on the second Saturday of May and in October, announced the "Reference" department of BTA. The initiative was announced with a decision from the meeting of the countries that signed the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Wild Animals, the countries of the Agreement on the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds from Africa and Eurasia and the organization "Environment for the Americas". The decision was made on October 26, 2017, in Manila, Philippines.