More than 35,000 migratory birds spotted in Switzerland

More than 35,000 migratory birds spotted in Switzerland

Around 2,200 birdwatchers counted a total of 35,253 migratory birds in Switzerland over the weekend. Among the most observed species were the tree sparrow, the wild pigeon and the European woodpecker, Birdlife reported on Monday.

Birdwatchers counted a total of 10,084 tyrants, 6,205 wild pigeons and 2,739 wild birds, according to the nature conservation organization. Among the main ornithological events of this year, people were able to observe particularly high numbers of meadow pipits, wildfowl and falcon ibises, reports albinfo.ch.

According to the organization, the census was conducted as part of the annual EuroBirdwatch campaign. More than 27,000 people in 34 European countries participated and counted about 2.4 million migratory birds on their way to their wintering grounds.

The aim of the campaign is to raise public awareness of the dangers facing birds. Most migratory birds are insectivorous, and the disappearance of insects has greatly reduced their food source. The drying up of wetlands, intensive agriculture and construction have also destroyed many habitats and resting places for migratory birds in Switzerland, Birdlife said.