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Launch of NABU's "Garden Bird Hour" - Nature conservation organization sets out to count feathered friends in backyards nationwide

Garden Aviary Census Initiated - NABU Launches 'Time of Backyard Birds'

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Citizens Encouraged to Participate in NABU Hesse's Bird Count: Focus is on reporting swallow...
Citizens Encouraged to Participate in NABU Hesse's Bird Count: Focus is on reporting swallow sightings to the nature conservation organization.

Join the "Hour of Backyard Bird Count" with NABU!

"NABU Launches 'Minute for Backyard Birds': A Program Encouraging Public Participation in Bird Census" - Launch of NABU's "Garden Bird Hour" - Nature conservation organization sets out to count feathered friends in backyards nationwide

Spend an hour spotting and tallying birds - that's what the Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) is urging the public to do. This time around, bird enthusiasts in Hesse are being encouraged to keep an extra eye out for swallows, as NABU Hesse reported, as many of them suffered from starvation or frostbite due to excessive rain last fall.

The "Hour of Backyard Bird Count," as the participation action is dubbed, allows the public to gain a better understanding of the birdscape of Hesse. From May 9th to the 11th, we invite you to spend an hour observing birds and report the maximum number of each bird species you see during that hour online or via the NABU Bird World app.

The deadline for submissions is May 19th. Don't worry if you miss a species by sight but identify it by its song; you can still indicate this in your report.

Ornithologist Bernd Petri, from NABU, commented, "Following the significant losses last fall, we're keen to learn more about the distribution and numbers of house martins and swallows." With a bit of luck, the redstart, the potential bird of the year 2025, could also make an appearance!

The "Hour of Backyard Bird Count" is a collaborative effort between NABU and its Bavarian partner, LBV (Association for Nature and Bird Protection).

How to Get Involved:

  1. Pick a Spot: Choose any location you fancy, such as your garden, balcony, or a nearby park.
  2. Set a Time: Select one hour during the second weekend in May, and stick to your time slot.
  3. Record the Count: During your chosen hour, note down the highest number of each bird species you spot simultaneously. Remember, the objective is to identify the diversity and abundance of species.
  4. Submit Your Findings: After the observation, submit your counts online, using an app, or by post to NABU.

The Reason Behind It

The "Hour of Backyard Bird Count" aims to provide insights into the current state of bird populations and biodiversity across Germany. By participating, you'll be providing valuable data that help researchers understand changes in bird populations, including declines in certain species or the impact of environmental factors, such as mild winters and dry summers. This citizen science project also encourages community engagement in conservation efforts and fosters awareness about local ecosystems.

[1] Overall Project Information: The "Stunde der Gartenvögel" (Hour of Garden Birds) is a nationwide citizen science project organized by the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU) to monitor bird populations in Germany.[2] Participation Steps: Participants choose their location and time, count birds, and report their findings online or via an app.[3] Purpose: The event aims to gather insights into current bird populations, biodiversity, and the impact of environmental factors; it also raises awareness and encourages community engagement in conservation efforts.[4] Target Locations: The action includes gardens, balconies, parks, and other suitable nearby environments for bird observation.[5] Significance: Data collected from the event provides valuable contributions to bird conservation research and helps us understand changes in bird populations and biodiversity.

  1. Join the "Hour of Backyard Bird Count," organized by NABU, and contribute to understanding the current state of bird populations and biodiversity in Hesse by spotting and tallying birds in your garden, balcony, or nearby park.
  2. Consider participating in vocational training programs offered by NABU, which could help you enhance your skills and contribute to conservation efforts, like the ongoing monitoring of house martins and swallows.
  3. By participating in the "Hour of Backyard Bird Count," you're helping researchers gather valuable data about changes in bird populations, including declines in certain species or the impact of environmental factors, such as mild winters and dry summers.
  4. As part of the "Hour of Backyard Bird Count," you can submit your findings online or via the NABU Bird World app—deadline for submissions is May 19th—and help foster awareness about local ecosystems and encourage community engagement in conservation efforts.

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