Project Management Board Meeting, Advisory Workshop and Conference - all these events we have experienced during last week. On the 17.-18. October, the fourth Project Board Meeting took place in Gyöngyös, Hungary. During the meeting, the representatives of the project partners meet in person to discuss the project progress, results, and next steps that are planned to ensure the successful project implementation.
In September, a team from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), in collaboration with Electrodistribution Grid West ЕAD and Stefania Kamenova from the National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, successfully collected samples from occupied nests of European Rollers (Coracias garrulus) for an upcoming study and analysis of the food spectrum of this attractive species. This activity is carried out within the framework of the LIFE Danube Free Sky project.
Tracking individuals of various bird species by satellite or radio telemetry has yielded many valuable insights. This year, six juvenile Saker Falcon chicks in southern Slovakia were tagged with satellite transmitters, which will provide up-to-date information on their location. Click on the Read More button and watch a short video directly from the installation! Using this method, where the movements of individuals can be tracked essentially continuously in an online environment, we can get unique data on movements, hunting territories, migration routes, as well as the dangers that mostly juveniles have to face.
Power lines form an unnatural barrier in the landscape and an obstacle for many species of animals. However, wild birds are the most affected by their presence. Flying birds are at risk of striking power lines that they do not notice in time. Birds of prey, in particular, like to use the 22 kV power poles as a resting place or to hunt for prey. But what happens when they connect two wires when they land? How can we prevent this and protect them?
At the end of July, the activities for monitoring the artificial nesting boxes for Red-footed Falcons and European rollers, which were installed last winter and spring in suitable habitats in Northern and Northwestern Bulgaria, were completed.
Joint teams from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and Electrodistribution Grid West ЕAD successfully installed 50 nesting boxes for both bird species as part of the LIFE Danube Free Sky project.
Photo: Damyan Petkov, European Roller
Join us to celebrate the beautiful Danube River and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this incredible natural resource. Discover the Danube's rich biodiversity: Dive deep into the fascinating world of flora and fauna that call the Danube home. Explore interactive exhibits, learn about conservation efforts, and get to know some of the amazing creatures that inhabit the river!
On the occasion of the Danube Day 2023 dedicated to the Danube River, the project partner Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority in Romania organized an activity with the theme ”Keep the Danube blue!"
We used this opportunity to present the LIFE Danube Free Sky Project and its activities and results, as well as the importance of the Natura 2000 network to the participants. Children joined by their teachers and parents received also T-shirts produced within the project and were happy to learn something new.
LIFE Programme
The LIFE DANUBE FREE SKY project has received funding from the LIFE Programme of the European Union. More info.
Natura 2000
The LIFE DANUBE FREE SKY project is part of nature conservation and biodiversity projects in Natura 2000. More info.
Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic
The LIFE Danube Free Sky project is co-financed by the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic.
Contact us
Email: info@danubefreesky.eu