Get to know the birds of Latvia with "Spārnotie"!

In order to learn more about the birds found in Latvia, inspired by the game "Winged" , we invited Agni Buša, internal communication coordinator and project manager of the Latvian Ornithological Society, to a conversation.

Bird "game" strategies

The very fact that birds can fly is quite amazing. What's more, the first ideas for aircraft seen directly from the birds, which allow us to take to the air too, experiencing the tempting feeling of freedom. On the other hand, bird feathers are both unusually diverse and valuable. The feathers of some birds are even very like down.

A broad field of research is bird migration. Scientists are divided, but there is an assumption that the migration strategies of different bird species differ significantly. Birds are believed to be guided by the rising and setting of the sun during the day during migration, and by the stars and the earth's magnetic field at night. A. Bush discovers that distant and near migrants are guided by different cues visible in nature. Since long-distance migrants must reach central Africa by crossing the Sahara desert, these birds are more guided by the length of the day. Those who winter closer - in central Europe, southern regions of Europe and northern Africa - are guided by the weather.

If we look at foraging strategies, according to A. Bush, the most interesting are hunters - birds whose menu includes fish, insects, earthworms, other birds or animals. For example, a fisher, having taken an observation post on the bank of a river, watches the water, but when it sees a fish, it dives surprisingly quickly and precisely. The osprey also has a quick reaction, which allows it to catch the observed prey by diving. Have you ever seen seagulls frolicking on the lawn? This is how they try to fool earthworms by imitating the sound and vibration that normally occurs when raindrops fall on the ground. Earthworms are threatened by rainwater, so they spill to the surface during rain. This is exactly the purpose of seagulls.

Where to go bird watching?

If you want to watch birds, the best way to start is by looking out the window, taking a slower walk in the park or sitting quietly in the backyard garden. Birds go where they can find food and suitable conditions for nesting. Therefore, they can be found in a wide variety of places - in and around cities, in the countryside and in forests. Once you have recognized the birds observed in the nearby area, you can plan to go on a trip to one of the bird watching places.

The most frequently seen "Winged" birds in Latvia are mallard, swallow and raven. The great egret and the great egret like to stay near water bodies. Most of the other game birds will be more difficult to meet in Latvia, as they are rare species here. For example, the barn owl is rare in Latvia, although it is a common bird in other parts of Europe. At the same time, the Canadian goose is on the list of invasive species here. It does not live here, but is found during migration. This species has even been observed to have a negative impact on European ecosystems.

It is interesting that you can also meet wood ducks in Latvia - these birds end up here in the open air if they manage to escape from the kennels, whose collections they choose for their beauty. In the US, tree ducks are a common wild bird that nests in tree hollows, hence their name.

Rules of the "game" of bird watching

Be patient when watching birds. However, according to A. Bush, the most important thing is to remember that birds are always and everywhere. This is especially important for beginners. Although it seems that going to bird watching places could be the perfect family fun, without previous experience it can prove to be too much of a burden on both the senses and the mind, trying to observe, recognize and remember all the birds. [ "If your child has a sensory disorder or simply has a heightened sense of one of the senses (for example, you have observed a heightened reaction to sounds or bright light), be especially careful." — Author's note. ] Go step by step! Start by identifying the birds you can see out your window, then take a leisurely walk in a nearby park, then remember to look out for the birds in your area on a picnic.

Nowadays, there are many opportunities to look up both bird names and various interesting facts by yourself, including by watching videos and listening to bird song recordings. For example, on the website https://dabasdati.lv/lv you can add your observations, which will help scientists gather more information about Latvian bird life. As people share their experiences, scientific publications are also created, for example the atlas of nesting birds in Latvia (here you will find more information about this project: https://www.lob.lv/putnu-atlants/ ). The app also has the option to add a photo or voice recording of unidentified birds. More knowledgeable users will help you determine which bird you have found.

Some useful resources:

• https://dabasdati.lv/lv (app also available)
• https://www.latvijasputni.lv/lv/putnu-saraksts.html
• http://visiputni.lv
• https://www.lob.lv

If the interest in birdwatching grows, it is worth buying binoculars and specialized books. One way to attract more birds around your home is with a bird feeder. Before saying yes to this idea, you should carefully consider whether it is really for you. You will need to regularly provide seeds in the bird feeder (shelled or unshelled sunflower seeds, you can try linseed, you can put unsalted lard, you can also use oatmeal - just a little bit). If you cannot commit to this, then you will cause more damage, creating the risk that the birds will not be able to immediately find another sufficient source of food during the winter period. The days are short and the quest takes time and energy. "Actually, the birds don't need our feeders at all," says A. Bush, "they are more for people's enjoyment."

When I ask if you can feed the birds with bread, A. Bush says: "You can, but it is important to remember that bread is not a complete source of food for birds and that you should be careful not to feed the birds with it - it harms the health of the birds!"

Birds we can lose

Some of the birds included in the game "Winged" are found here, but very rarely: osprey, golden eagle, black tern, peregrine falcon and black-headed heron. Barn owls are also rare here. Each of us can do something so that these bird species do not disappear completely in Latvia, because we affect the environment around us every day with every choice we make.

What exactly to do?

• Get to know Latvian birds and learn more about what they need.
• Do not interfere with natural processes or do nothing.
• Support the field of nature protection with your position.
• When tending the backyard garden, think about the birds.

Not interfering with natural processes can seem confusing - how can you do nothing when, oh, the fluffy baby bird has fallen out of the nest and is so helpless? However, usually the parents of the chicks are already rushing to help their offspring, and human intervention can have the opposite effect. A. Bush advises not to touch the baby bird, leave quickly and give the parents the opportunity to help themselves.

If there are rural or forest properties, it is important not to disturb nesting by cleaning them. Also, when cleaning up the backyard area, you can think about how to create suitable conditions for birds - places where nests are made, hide and find food. A. Bush says: "Birds like messy people, meaning that if we don't mow all the corners of the garden, we leave the birds with shelter, shade and weeds that will set seeds, without cutting down a dead tree (as long as it doesn't endanger anyone's safety), we create a place to feast on insects."

If you want to support people who care about the future of birds in Latvia, you can also become a member of the Latvian Ornithological Society. Find out more here: https://www.lob.lv/biedriba/klusti-par-biedru/ .

With each purchase of the "Winged" game, 0.50 EUR is donated to LOB.

Which birds of the game "Winged" can you see in the nature of Latvia?