The Nature Conservation Camp “Atanasovsko Lake”, organised by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) in 2023 brought together almost 100 volunteers from August 19th to 27th for the 34th consecutive year. They dedicated their time to the preservation of nature and the well-being of birds.
This year, thanks to the efforts of the Camp participants, two floating platforms within Lukoil Neftochim’s oxidation ponds underwent necessary repairs. These platforms, originally established by BSPB in 2021, have now become important sites for the resting and roosting of Dalmatian pelicans in Bulgaria. It is anticipated that the pelicans will soon choose these platforms for nesting.
The volunteers also conducted essential maintenance and repair tasks on both artificial islands within Atanasovsko Lake. These islands were originally constructed with the assistance of volunteers during previous camps and have since become some of the most vital sites for Dalmatian pelicans’ resting and roosting in Bulgaria. Each evening, these islands can accommodate up to 150 individuals. Additionally, during the breeding season, the islands serve as nesting grounds for many cormorants and spoonbills.
Participants had the chance to partake in activities aimed at preserving favorable ecological conditions for birds within the ‘Poda’ Protected Area, such as reed mowing.
All attendees received training in bird identification, which included observing the migration of soaring birds from a stationary location and watching waterfowl. From the bird observation point, more than 100,000 white storks were counted, along with many other species of migrating birds.
Volunteers also had the opportunity to take part in the ongoing monitoring of hazardous power lines in the Burgas area. This crucial activity helps pinpoint priority sections of power lines where numerous birds are vulnerable. Throughout the camp, patrols were carried out along these risky power lines, leading to the identification of over 250 bird casualties.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, volunteers, experts, and friends for their invaluable assistance, unwavering dedication, discipline, and the collaborative spirit they fostered and upheld during the camp. Your active involvement serves as a tremendous source of inspiration, motivating us to press forward. We’re already looking forward to the next August when we can reunite once more”, says Svilen Cheshmedjiev from BSPB.
The Nature Conservation Camp “Atanasovsko Lake 2023” is part of the activities of the “Pelican Way of LIFE” initiative (LIFE18/NAT/NL/000716), funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union and Arcadia Foundation, and with the assistance in Bulgaria of the Whitley Fund for Nature.