site.btaSparrow, Tit, Woodpecker Populations in Bulgaria Are Declining - Experts

Sofia, November 24 (BTA) - Bulgaria, rich as it is in the variety of birds with over 480 species, is now witnessing a considerable decline in the population of sparrows, tits, finches, jays, woodpeckers and more, Yordanka Lukanova of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) told BTA. This trend is observed across Europe, Lukanova added, citing a study by a team of experts from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Bird Life International and the Czech Society for Ornithology. The populations of house sparrow, yellow grouse, starling and lark have suffered most.

Noise and pollution have the greatest impact on bird populations. Tall buildings with glass facades are also dangerous. They create the illusion that there is a sky or trees in front of the birds, Lukanova explained. To avoid fatal collisions, BSPB recommends putting up coloured and patterned stickers to signal the birds that there is a barrier in front.

The lack of green space and use of pesticides in agriculture also contribute to declining bird populations, Lukanova noted.

Lukanova stressed that birds and humans occupy a common ecosystem. If there are indications that something is wrong with the birds, that is a "red light" that there is a risk for humans too, she explained.

Birdwatching, feeding the birds and listening to their singing is exciting, Lukanova and added that by taking the time to get to know birds, people will also understand how delicate they are.

In winter, birds need a lot of reserves to preserve body heat and to survive. The BSDP has organized "A Grain of Love" campaign, calling on people to buy or make their own bird feeders and houses.
RY/YV