For the 30th year, European BirdWatch Days are being widely celebrated this autumn, with all interested parties and birdwatching enthusiasts invited to participate in special events to observe and learn about local birds. On 30 September and 1 October, the Nature Conservation Agency invites both adults and children to enjoy birdwatching excursions, educational activities, a digital bird trail in Ķemeri, a special hike in Kolka, bird listening and watching in Salacgrīva, and a bird feeder workshop in Līgatne!
On 30 September in Ķemeri National Park, birdwatching excursions with ornithologist Dmitrijs Boiko will take place from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Excursion participants will be taken by bus to Lake Kaņieris and the Dunduri meadows. Participation in the excursions must be booked in advance by filling out the online form.
Throughout the day, it will be possible to complete a digital bird trail with breakout game elements near the Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre (Meža māja, Ķemeri). A charged smart device with an internet connection is required to scan QR codes and complete the tasks.
In the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, it is possible to listen to and observe a variety of birds. At 10:00, a short hike will begin from the Salacgrīva beach car park (Jūrmalas iela 15, Salacgrīva) together with ornithologist Mārtiņš Platacis. Over the course of two hours, participants will learn about birds in the coastal dune forest, climb a 'hill', and observe birds at the mouth of the Salaca River and along the Salacgrīva coast. Prior registration is recommended by calling 26329412 or by emailing inta.soma@daba.gov.lv.
In Slītere National Park, from 10:00 to 13:00, we invite you to join a hike with biologist Ritvars Rekmanis through the village and cape of Kolka (~3 km) to discover bird diversity in one of the best birdwatching spots in Latvia. During migration, this area is crossed by millions of birds travelling to their breeding grounds in the north in spring and returning south in autumn. Participation must be booked in advance by calling +371 28256131. Meeting at 10:00 in the car park near the Kolka Lutheran Church. We recommend bringing a bird guide, binoculars and a camera, and dressing appropriately for the season and the nature of the hike.
At Līgatne Nature Trails in Bišu pļava, from 11:00 to 15:00, birdwatcher and veterinarian Arno Klevinskis will provide a closer look at the owls living at the Līgatne Nature Trails, and visitors can try out the new interactive game 'Pūčuks'. The first 50 families or groups of friends will have the opportunity to build their own bird feeder. While making the feeders, we will also explain when birds need feeding and when it is better not to, what to use for supplementary feeding, and what treats are best to offer birds. To attend the event, an entrance ticket to the Līgatne Nature Trails must be purchased. We encourage you to do this via the Biļešu paradīze online website www.bilesuparadize.lv.
On 1 October from 10:00 to 14:00, birdwatching with biologist Viesturs Vintulis will take place in Ķemeri National Park by the Lake Kaņieris bird tower. At the foot of the tower, there will be an opportunity to participate in educational activities, games and tasks with staff from the Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre. Meanwhile, throughout the day near the Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre (Meža māja, Ķemeri), everyone will have the chance to complete the digital bird trail with breakout game elements. Please bring a charged smart device with an internet connection to scan QR codes and complete the tasks.
The autumn Bird Days are part of an international initiative – the 'EuroBirdwatch' tradition started in 1993 and organised by the world's largest bird protection organisation, BirdLife International. In Latvia, it is represented by the Latvian Ornithological Society, which, together with partners, offers a wide range of birdwatching events. All events are listed on the website www.putnudienas.lv.