World Migratory Bird Day: the call of the WWF Oases

There World Migratory Bird Day turns 18. Launched as part of the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Wild Animal Species, with the aim of raising public awareness of the importance of conserving migratory birds and their habitat, the 2023 edition focuses on the importance of water as an essential resource for their survival along the thousands of kilometers journeys that hundreds of species make from their breeding sites to their wintering sites and vice versa. An epic feat, accomplished both by large flyovers and by species weighing a few grams, among a thousand natural difficulties to which must be added the much more arduous ones linked to man: hunting and poaching (still widespread in our country, as documented by the project LIFE Swipe), pollution from pesticides, lead, but also light and noise; infrastructure, and climate change, which is causing many migratory species to move forward by 10-20 days in the departure dates.

And just the climate changewhich now also alternates in our country with periods of prolonged Drought suddenly floods, reminds us that water is also a fundamental asset for our species, to be protected in the best possible way for the benefit of all. Starting with rivers, lakes, swamps, ponds, oxbow lakes, groundwater, resurgences, lagoons: all the essential elements of the “vascular system” that sustains both us and migratory species.

To remember its importance again this year the WWF, on the occasion of Oasis Days 2023organizes dozens of events for the general public:

In Lombardy, on 13 May it will be possible to discover the beauty and importance of environments rich in water a few steps from Milan in the Levadina Oasis, while on 21 May the WWF Insubria organizes an excursion to discover the WWF Oasis of Bassone – Torbiere of Albate (CO) and its ponds, wrecks of an ancient peat bog. On 28 May, at the WWF Oasis of Valpredina, expert ornithologists will illustrate the results of the biennial monitoring work of the spring migration of birds of prey and other bird species in transit in the skies of the special conservation area (ZSC) Valpredina – Misma.

In Venetoon 21 May it will be possible to visit the Cave Oasis of Noale (VE), where abandoned quarries have been transformed into a paradise for aquatic birds, and the Bora Oasis (VR), where the rivers and springs that surround it they give hospitality to dozens of species, including the colorful kingfisher.

In Emilia Romagna, the River Oasis of Molino Grande (BO), although strongly affected by the recent flood, opens its doors on Saturday 13 May on a special occasion, to discover the Oasis and its incredible biodiversity. Sunday 14 May, however, the World Day of Migratory Birds will be celebrated with a walk on the ridge between Val Taro and Val Ceno, scrutinizing the skies armed with binoculars, telescopes and the famous iNaturalist app, the application that allows you to discover biodiversity .

In Umbria, at the Oasis of Alviano (TR), on 21 May it will be possible to participate in a workshop for families. Life in a drop of water” to discover the marvel of the micro-world of wetlands and its importance in the balance of the ecosystem.

In Abruzzoat the Oasi Lago di Penne (PE) on Thursday 11 May the participants will be able to live a unique experience, exploring the lake aboard a Canadian canoe, while on 21 May it will be the turn of the Oasi di Serranella (CH), which opens its doors for a day full of guided tours along the path of the riverbed that gives life to the homonymous lake.

In Campaniaagain on May 21, the 20th anniversary of the Campolattaro Oasis (BN) will be celebrated to discover the homonymous lake and its inhabitants.

Policoro, in Basilicata, (MT) on May 14 it will be possible to become a birdwatcher for a day together with the experts of the Oasis.

In Sicilyon 13 May it will be possible to discover the migratory avifauna at the Oasis of Capo Rama (PA), with citizen science activities for adults and children, while on 28 May it will be the turn of the Oasis of Lago Preola and Gorghi Tondi, of international importance for migratory birds.

All WWF events