Seventy eight species of water birds recorded in Moldova

Chisinau, 09 February /MOLDPRES/ – In January, it was held the International Waterbird Census throughout the world. On the territory of Moldova this activity was carried out by the Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature (SPPN), which identified 78 species of flying species.

The members of SPPN recorded bird species and herds present on the main water basins in Moldova: Manta and Beleu lakes, Taraclia lakes, Congaz and Comrat in Gagauzia, Salas lake (Gura Bacului pond), Ghidighici lake, at Costesti – Stanca and Dubasari, the upper section of the Dniester river (Naslavcea – Holosnita).

Although most aquatic areas were frozen at that time, the team of ornithologists who participated in the census managed to record 78 species.

"Among the most important species this year are the Anas platyrhynchos, Bucephala clangula, Cygnus olor and Aythya fuligula. Unlike in recent years, there were not observed any rare species, but only a few winter guests whose presence is expected during this period: Cygnus columbianus, Anas penelope, Anas strepera, (Mergellus albellus), Buteo lagopus, Circus cyaneus, Lanius excubitor, Turdus viscivorus, Fringilla montifringilla, (Regulus regulus), mugurar (Pyrhula pyrhula)," states the SPPN.

All data recorded in Moldova during the International Water Census were collected in a list and sent to Wetlands International, the global coordinator of the action.

This census was initiated in Europe in 1966 with the aim of inventing bird species present during winter in temperate countries, especially in aquatic basins that are the only habitats that can host impressive biodiversity in the cold season. The water bird census has been done since 2013 in Moldova.