Leonid Pokrytyuk, an expert from the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies (that collaborates with NABU) and a volunteer at the “Everybody Can Help” volunteer center, continues to share his daily work experience with us. He claims that the Ukrainian Bird Protection Society has designated the common house martin (Delichon urbica) as the “bird of the year 2022” since the beginning of the year.
Eco-activists from the “Everybody Can Help” volunteer center introduced children to martins in their classes. Various classes were frequently held with IDP students, including “Applying a common house martin” and “Making common house martin nests from clay,” in which they explained how birds differ from one another and which biotopes they prefer for hunting and nesting. A “bird hotel” was built and installed during these events.
However, autumn arrived, forcing the insectivorous swallows to flee to warmer climes. The bird hotel was initially abandoned, but Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) began to visit it. House sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Eurasian tree sparrows frequently steal swallows’ nests. However, there is little space for insulation in such structures for wintering. Large artificial houses were provided for the birds’ convenience.
Volunteers from the center, along with Leonid Pokrytyuk, demonstrated how to identify different species of sparrows and discussed their life cycles and biological characteristics. Seed feeders were also installed, as well as houses for Eurasian tree sparrows. Leonid, an ornithologist, is overjoyed when, in collaboration with other volunteers and partners, he is able to assist birds and other small creatures, which are an important part of living nature.
Informational Service of IERS