The counting of wintering birds from an airplane is coordinated across all Baltic Sea countries to ascertain their populations, with particular concern for declining species such as the jackdaw.
The article discusses the organized count of wintering birds conducted from an aircraft, which takes place simultaneously in all Baltic Sea countries under the oversight of the Baltic Sea environment and biodiversity protection organization, HELCOM. This method is crucial as many wintering bird species in the Baltic Sea cannot be accurately monitored otherwise. Ornithologist Daknis highlights this effort as vital for population assessments and understanding changes in bird numbers during the winter months.
A significant example mentioned is the jackdaw, which nests in the northern parts of Finland, Norway, and Russia, often in vast and inaccessible areas. This winter, a large portion of these birds congregates in the Baltic Sea, allowing researchers to finally ascertain the size of their population and its fluctuations. Alarmingly, the results from the surveys indicate a notable decline in the jackdaw population, which may be attributed to factors such as breeding ground conditions and significant capture during the winter period, recognized as a considerable threat to their numbers.
In addition to the jackdaw, the article states that the surveys also account for various other bird species, including swans and ducks, which have traveled further than usual this winter. The importance of these count flights is underscored as they offer crucial data for ornithologists and conservationists aiming to protect these populations, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health and biodiversity within the Baltic region.
