site.bta Fewer Nesting Birds Found in Mixed Colonies along the Danube

Fewer Nesting Birds Found in Mixed Colonies along the Danube

Silistra, Northeastern Bulgaria, June 19 (BTA) - The Green Balkans Federation of Nature Conservation NGOs has reported a decrease in the number of nesting birds in mixed colonies along the Danube observed during a June expedition down the river from Vidin to Silistra.

At the same time, the number of cormorant has increased, which could be one cause for the decrease in other species. Sand bars have formed along the river, on one of which near the Srebarna Nature Reserve 170 white pelican were counted.

Other species sighted by the environmentalists include the Red-necked Grebe, the Levant Sparrowhawk, the White-tailed Eagle and the Greylag Goose.

Fish catches are also smaller than in previous years. Riparian habitats have been negatively affected by numerous embankments and the planting of hybrid poplars in place of riverside forests.