FEBRUARY sees the launch of the annual Spring Alive event by the partners of BirdLife International in Europe. Observers in Cyprus are already recording sightings of Swallows and Swifts on the island.
The local Cypriot partner BirdLife Cyprus will be co-ordinating Cyprus’ participation and invites everyone to get involved in this simple, fun survey.
Spring Alive asks us to marvel at the return of some of the most fascinating migratory birds to Europe and to enter our first sightings of Swallows, Swifts, Storks and Cuckoos onto the special Spring Alive website,” said a BirdLife announcement.
Although aimed specifically at children aged 8–12, Spring Alive calls for contributions from all bird lovers to take part in a Europe-wide scientific survey.
Scientists will hope to use the information to see whether the birds are arriving earlier than normal – possibly due to global warming. Last year Spring Alive amassed a record breaking total of 50,000 observations Europe-wide and the European co-ordinators were able to see that spring arrived a few days later in 2008, reversing the trend of the previous two years.
“It is vitally important that more data is added this year to make sure that the results are reliable and to add to their scientific value,” BirdLife said.
And, no one needs to be an expert. The Spring Alive website www.springalive.net has information on the birds that are included in the project. It can help identify them if in doubt.
From there, birdwatchers can follow the instructions to make a personal contribution to the survey. The results from Cyprus and other countries can also be seen while animated maps show the progress of spring throughout Europe. The website is updated regularly.
In Cyprus the Swallow and Swift are well known Spring visitors. Usually the first ones arrive early in February. Swallows and Swifts seen on the island are always amongst the first seen in Europe. Many pass through on their way to other European countries where they will spend their summer, while others will stay in Cyprus to breed.
Only a few sightings are made each year of the cuckoo and stork in Cyprus although they are common visitors to other parts of Europe.
Those who are without access to the internet can still take part. Sightings can be posted into BirdLife Cyprus for the attention of their Spring Alive co-ordinator Jane Stylianou at BirdLife Cyprus, P O Box 28076, 2090 Nicosia or telephone with details on 99059541.
