Natur&ëmwelt Discusses Urban Birds Ahead of Birdwatch Weekend

In the latest in a series of articles about current conservation issues, experts at natur&ëmwelt, a leading nature conservation NGO in Luxembourg, spoke to Chronicle.lu about birds and their adaptation to increasingly urban dwellings. 

Natur&ëmwelt volunteer Claire Schroeder helped collect the relevant information from expert Catherine Kirsch from the NGO for this article.

As natur&ëmwelt explained, a wide range of birds share our urban homes, and we are all the better for it. While many species have impressively adapted to this new and ever-changing context, there is still much that can be done to aid them in the process.

Chronicle.lu: Which types of birds do we have in Luxembourg's urban areas? Are these very different to our rural spaces?

Natur&ëmwelt: Typically, birds found in urban environments include species such as common swifts, common house martins, house sparrows, blue tits and great tits, which are generally known as cavity breeders. These species take advantage of cavities in old buildings and urban structures for nesting. Rural and suburban areas often host species that prefer open landscapes and agricultural lands. Here, birds such as the barn owl, little owl and barn swallow are more frequent, benefiting from the availability of prey in farmland, orchards and woodlands.

Chronicle.lu: Why would a bird choose an urban home rather than a rural one?

Natur&ëmwelt: Urbanisation generally leads to a loss of biodiversity, but some bird species are able to adapt, albeit with mixed success. Research indicates that omnivorous species tend to cope better in cities compared to specialised birds. While urban areas provide consistent food sources and a lower predation pressure - the benefits are not uniform across species. For instance, certain species like the house sparrow and western jackdaw have shown population declines despite these advantages. Urban advantages, such as heat islands and reliable food, cannot fully compensate for challenges like the loss of breeding places due to renovation of old buildings and the creation of perfectly isolated new buildings. Additionally, light and noise pollution disrupts natural behaviours in some bird species. For instance, blackbirds have had to alter their singing frequencies and owls and falcons their hunting times. Despite these challenges, some species are still drawn to urban environments. However, the long-term survival of many urban bird species remains precarious. To address these issues, natur&ëmwelt asbl has launched the project "Urban Birds - Protecting Climate and Wildlife", which aims to make cities more conducive to bird populations. Nonetheless, the overall trend for urban birds remains worrying, as many species continue to decline.

Chronicle.lu: Speaking of natur&ëmwelt, why is the yearly bird count important?

Natur&ëmwelt: The winter bird count, which involves public participation, helps gather data on the presence and abundance of birds in local gardens in an approachable manner. This initiative not only provides valuable information on bird distribution but also fosters a deeper connection between people and wildlife. Concurrently, the Centrale Ornithologique Luxembourg (COL) conducts professional monitoring of species such as the great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor), woodpeckers, common house martin (Delichon urbicum) and the corncrake (Crex crex) on a national level. These bird monitorings are important for various reasons, including population estimation, habitat evaluation, and understanding species distribution. By analysing these trends, we gain valuable insights into avian health and can make informed conservation decisions.

Chronicle.lu: Having birds in urban centres can be considered a positive, then?

Natur&ëmwelt: Definitely! Urban birds offer a range of significant benefits that enhance both the environment and human well-being. Ecologically, they contribute to pest control by feeding on insects. Globally, birds also contribute to seed dispersal in human-dominated landscapes, promoting plant growth and supporting biodiversity. Certain species even aid in pollination, further enriching urban ecosystems. For people, birds add value with their vibrant plumage and songs, which can also have beneficial effects on mental health. Birdwatching fosters community engagement and provides educational opportunities about wildlife and conservation. In essence, the presence of birds in towns allows for a more vibrant, balanced and sustainable urban environment, enriching our daily lives and contributing to the overall health of our ecosystems.

Chronicle.lu: How can the public learn more about birds and what they can practically do to help them?

Natur&ëmwelt: natur&ëmwelt provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to engage in bird conservation through its regional volunteering groups. By joining these local efforts, you can contribute to conservation initiatives that support not only bird populations but also overall biodiversity. Additionally, enhancing your own gardens, balconies or window sills with bird-friendly features such as native plants, feeders and birdbaths can make a significant difference. It's also crucial to reduce risks like pesticide use, cat predation and window collisions by implementing protective measures. For more information, visit our website or contact c.kirsch@naturemwelt.lu or col@naturemwelt.lu. To learn more about Luxembourgish birds, you can explore smartphone applications or consult books such as Birds of Luxembourg by Patric Lorgé and Ed Melchior. If you are already familiar with local birds, you can use the NaturaList app or www.ornitho.lu to contribute bird data and support nationwide monitoring efforts.

Birdwatch Weekend

The Euro Birdwatch Weekend is taking place this year on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October 2024. Specialist ornithologists will be on hand to draw participants' attention to details they may not have noticed on their own. Participants will also learn why bird ringing is important and the dangers facing migratory birds. Luxembourg is one of more than 40 European countries participating in this event.

Natur&ëmwelt is co-organising a guided tour (LU/DE/FR/EN) of the Schlammwiss nature reserve and ringing station in Übersyren on Saturday 5 October, from 09:00 to 11:00. Visitors will learn more about the importance of this reed bed for migratory birds, as well as about the data collected during ringing and the scientific work of the station. Sturdy shoes and warm clothing are recommended. Registration is required via email: schlammwiss@gmail.com or via tel.: 621-293-695. The meeting place is the football field in Munsbach

The following day, on Sunday 6 October, from 10:00 to 18:00, natur&ëmwelt is teaming up with the Nature and Forest Agency for an event at the Biodiversum centre in Remerschen. Visitors can expect bird ringing, information on nature and bird protection, art, activities for children and more. In the observation hut at Haff Réimech, visitors can watch bird ringing from 08:00 to 11:00.

For guided tours of the site, registration is necessary via email: biodiversum@anf.etat.lu. Activities include: a guided tour of the area on the theme of bird migration with bird watching and visit to the ringing hut (max. 20 participants) from 09:30 to 11:30. Participants are asked to bring binoculars, if they have some; a bird rally for families (max. five families of six people) from 13:30 to 16:00 pm; children's story and workshops about swallows (max. 20 children aged 5-10) in French from 14:00 to 16:00; a nature story told by Melissa every hour on the hour (approx. 30 minutes) from 14:00 to 18:00. The food truck Fang, Authentic Thai Cuisine, will provide food and drinks. Event languages: Luxembourgish, German, French and English.