BirdLife Cyprus is getting ready to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on Wednesday, with bird-watching events designed to help people appreciate the wondrous world of migratory birds.
Over 230 migratory species pass through Cyprus every spring and autumn, according to BirdLife Cyprus which is a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated itself to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats on the island.
“Migratory birds travel epic distances every year crossing many borders and connecting countries, cultures, and continents over their thousands-of-kilometres-long flyways,” said the NGO.
BirdLife Cyprus is organising two bird-watching outings for families, free of charge, one at Athalassa Park in Nicosia on Sunday May 21 and one at Oroklini Lake in Larnaca on May 28.
Both events begin at 11am and last for about 90 minutes, ideally aimed at children aged 7-12 and their parents or guardians.
The aim of the activities is to introduce young and old to the wondrous world of migratory birds and bird-watching, as thousands of people around the globe celebrate this astonishing feat every year on May 10.
Bird and nature enthusiasts will have an opportunity to get to know some of the birds that have travelled thousands of kilometres either to rest in Cyprus before continuing their journey further south or to make their nest and raise their young in Cyprus.
Migratory species expected to be seen include Barn Swallows, Common Swifts, Bee-eaters, Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Spur-winged Lapwings, Black-winged Stilts, Kingfishers, and many more.
This year’s theme is “Their Future is our Future” and highlights the interdependence of people and nature, and more especially people and migratory animals – in particular birds, as they share the same planet and thus the same limited resources.
