LIFE TRŠCA: World Migratory Bird Day 2025

The year 2025 brings a strong message with the title »Shared spaces: creating bird-friendly cities and communities«, which emphasizes the need for a more inclusive coexistence of birds and people, especially in an increasingly urbanized world. Migratory birds are true natural ambassadors of connectivity. During migrations they cross thousands of kilometres, cross national and continental borders, and connect different ecosystems.

Migratory birds need space – even here

Our wetland of European importance, Lake Cerknica, plays a key role in the protection of migratory birds. Here, more than 270 species stop over, winter or nest each year, including many endangered migratory birds. Two such species that can be observed in this area are the red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena) and the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), for which Lake Cerknica is a key nesting area in Slovenia.

Red-necked grebe are beautiful aquatic birds with a distinctly brown neck color, which nest in tranquil, vegetation-rich lakes. In Slovenia they nest very rarely, confirmed only at Lake Cerknica. The ferruginous duck, one of our most endangered ducks, is a migratory bird that we observe even more rarely. It nests mainly in the Pannonian Basin, but for its survival it also depends on intermediate stopover sites, such as Lake Cerknica and other wetland habitats.

Both species are included in nature conservation efforts within the LIFE TRŠCA project.

LIFE TRŠCA – restoration of bird habitats

The LIFE TRŠCA project strives to restore and improve habitats at Lake Cerknica, with a particular emphasis on reed beds. These are key habitats for numerous endangered bird species, including the red-necked grebe and kostanjevko.

As part of the project, we will promote management that will enable reed beds, which are crucial for the successful nesting of aquatic birds and important for other animals. At the same time we will maintain open water surfaces surrounded by reeds – lake windows. As part of the project we will remove accumulations of dead biomass that are deposited on the lake's edge.

An important part of the project is awareness-raising activities, involving local residents and visitors, and promoting sustainable tourism.

What can we do?

World Migratory Bird Day reminds us that each of us can play a role in protecting these remarkable beings. Migratory birds know no borders – that's why we must protect them globally, but with actions that start at home.

You can also contribute:

• Plant native plants – a shrub or tree that provides food and shelter for birds, or leave an unmowed strip of tall grass in the meadow.
• Reduce light pollution that disturbs birds during migration.
• Place window decals to prevent birds from colliding with glass surfaces.
• Install a bird nesting box.
• Share knowledge about birds and raise awareness in your community.

Let's not forget – we also share space with birds. Each return of migratory birds brings new hope that nature still breathes. By preserving and adapting our surroundings, we can provide them with a safe path and a place to live. In the Notranjska Park, we strive for  Lake Cerknica to remain not only a stopover, but a safe haven for birds – and an inspiration for all of us.