From 21 to 29 of August 2021 nature conservation brigade “Atanasovsko lake” gathered nearly 50 volunteers for the 32nd time. Its main goal was to help providing a better nesting environment for the birds in the area by maintaining and repairing the existing infrastructure.
The brigade provided an opportunity for environmentalists, experts, students, photographers, birdwatchers and everyone who loves nature to contribute to the efforts of BSPB in conservation of the species and their habitats.
With the help of the volunteers this year we managed to repair and enlarge two bulk islands in the Atanasovsko lake. The islands have been previously built by volunteers and they are amongst the most important place for nesting and rest of the Dalmatian pelicans in Bulgaria: they harbor up to 150 birds per night. During the nesting season they are home for Sternidaes and pied avocets as well.
Participants in the brigade had the opportunity to take part in the maintaining of the good environmental conditions for the birds in Poda protected area, such as reed mowing.
Under the professional direction of our colleagues from Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation the volunteers took part in the cleaning and repairing of the Pied avocet trail in Burgas, as well as in the activities of the restoration of the Ruppia maritima in the Atanasovsko lake.
Last but not least together we managed to start the essential renovation of the field station which roof was in poor condition. Thanks to the help and dedication of our volunteers it will survive the winter.
There were two types of bird watching trainings, which we have organized for the participants in the brigade – observation of the migration of soaring birds from the fixed point and observation of waterbirds in Atanasovsko lake. They counted more than 70 000 white storks from the fixed points and more than 300 European honey buzzards, black kites, Montagu’s harrier, western marsh harrier, pallid harrier, lesser spotted eagle, etc.
There was also a series of lectures, given by experts from BSPB, BBF and professionals from the participants. Some of the topics covered by them were: pesticides and their impact; usage of drones for nature protection; citizens’ participation in nature conservation; research of the Egyptian vultures in Ethiopia; return of the Dalmatian pelican in nature park “Persina”, etc.
We are thankful for everyone – volunteers, experts and friends – for their contribution and help, for their dedication, discipline and the spirit of support and cooperation, which they created and maintained during the brigade! Your participation inspires us to keep going and we are waiting forward to the coming August 2022, when we will meet again.
