BALTA DABA - local actions

Nesting places for birds

Dates: Regularly on weekends since November 2016

Place: Jaunpiebalga region, Latvia

What was done: 

1. Selection of forest areas for field visits; 2. Field visits with task to find nesting places of specially protected bird species; 3. Submission of data to bird experts.

What is the result of activity: We have found 15 middle and large-scale nests. At least 1 of them has been identified as nest of specially protected bird species for whom micro-reserve could be established.

Why this method: Searching of nesting places allows to identify forest areas in Jaunpiebalga region that are important for specially protected bird species and to consider possible protection measures.

What follow-up is planned: We have discussed our findings with bird experts about possible protection measures. One of possible solutions that is on process is creation of micro-reserve for protection of identified nesting area.

Additional information: http://baltadaba.lv/aktuali/environmental-challenge-accepted/

Reconstruction of bird houses

Dates: 1 April 2017

Place: Jaunpiebalga, Latvia

What was done: 

• Communication with bird experts;
• Identification of bird houses that should be reconstructed (near local school);
• Organisation of public event;
• Field visit guided by expert in order to inform local participants about nesting habits of different bird species;
• Maintenance and reconstruction of old bird houses to provide safe nesting places;
• Creation of new bird houses.

What is the result of activity: During the activity 30 bird houses were restored and created. Participants were informed about the necessity to regularly maintain and control established bird houses. In total 14 local participants took part in the activity.

Why this method: It is very important not just to create new bird houses year by year but even more valuable is to control and maintain the existing ones in order to provide safe nesting obstacles for birds.

What follow-up is planned: In autumn we will monitor our bird houses again to evaluate weather our created houses were used by birds and to encourage local people to take initiative for next activities.

Additional information: http://baltadaba.lv/aktuali/environmental-challenge-accepted/

Creation of bird houses 

Dates: Regularly since November 2016

Place: Jaunpiebalga and Gulbene region, Latvia

What was done: 

• Identification of places for bird houses;
• Workshops for construction of bird houses;
• Monitoring results of nesting;
• Maintenance and cleaning bird houses for next nesting season.

What is the result of activity: During the project we renovated 53 bird houses and constructed 204 new bird houses (for different bird species: European Pied Flycatcher/Ficedula hypoleuca, Great Tit/Parus major, Tawny Owl/Strix aluco, Ural Owl/Strix uralensis, Eurasian Pygmy-owl/Glaucidium Passerinum and others). All activities were organised with involvement of children and young people who took part in creation of those bird houses in order to get knowledge about birds protection.

Why this method: There is lack of old trees where birds can nest. Holes in trees for certain bird species are places for reproducing. Creation of artificial nesting places provide ability for birds to reproduce in places where natural conditions are not good enough. Other problem is maintenance of birdhouses. Many birdhouses are built but are not safe anymore. We need to check them and renew if necessary in order to make those birdhouses effective for longer period.

What follow-up is planned: It is very important to not just create new bird houses year by year but even more valuable is to control and maintain the existing ones in order to provide safe nesting obstacles for birds. That is why it is our obligation to take care about bird houses we created and birds that are using them. We have long term plans for monitoring nesting success in our project sites and continue our activities in future.

Additional information: http://baltadaba.lv/pucu-buri-jaunpiebalgas-novada/

Funder:

BALTA DABA - Environmental challenges

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