site.btaOver 30 New Artificial Nests to Make Southern Bulgaria More Attractive to Endangered Saker Falcon

Over 30 artificial nests have been installed in Southern Bulgaria in an effort to improve the nesting grounds of the endangered Saker falcon (Falco cherrug), the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) reported. Experts of BSPB and the Green Balkans environmental organization placed the nests on high-voltage power poles, ensuring safe and appropriate places for breeding.

In the past, the Saker falcon nested mainly on trees and rocks, using the nests of other birds. However, the last several decades have seen a significant change in habitats in many areas of Bulgaria. The number of single old trees amidst the agricultural lands has decreased, and so have the nesting grounds for many species.

The plan is to install over 60 artificial nests, which will encourage young birds to return to Bulgaria, or those falcons who have hatched in the country to stay and rear their chicks here. The artificial nests will remain in place for decades, providing appropriate conditions for safe nesting of falcons and other bird species. 

The artificial nests' installation is done within LIFE for Falcons, an EU-funded project that combines the conservation efforts of seven organizations from Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, and the Netherlands. Installing artificial nests in suitable places, researched in advance to ensure the presence of prey species and the safe distance from settlements, is proven to be an effective practice in many countries. The method has been successfully implemented in Bulgaria for supporting the restoration of the globally threatened Imperial eagle.