Nature in the city: Bucharest is home to 200+ bird species, 180 in Vacaresti Park

Oana Vasiliu 28/07/2023 | 13:28

In Bucharest, a diverse array of birds finds its home, including the common pigeons, sparrows, crows, seagulls, blackbirds, song thrushes, and cuckoos that frequent parks and residential areas. However, the city’s avian diversity extends far beyond these familiar winged inhabitants, boasting a remarkable total of over 200 species, being a paradise for birdwatchers.

In 2016, biologist Dani Dragan, a member of the Romanian Ornithological Society, initiated systematic monitoring of Bucharest’s bird population. Since then, the number of observers has grown, leading to the creation of a comprehensive database. While sedentary species remain stable, each year brings exciting encounters with new migratory species that have never been seen in the city before.

Among the noteworthy sightings are both species of cormorants, great cormorants, and little cormorants, along with common terns, white-winged terns, and various ducks. During winter, geese pass through and rest on the city’s lakes. The raptors are not left behind, with sightings of falcons, red kites, Eurasian hobbies, and accipiters like sparrowhawks, Levant sparrowhawks, and even goshawks.

The abundance of birdlife in Bucharest provides a fascinating and rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Meanwhile, the nocturnal species include the classic owls and long-eared owls. During the spring or summer nights, some Bucharesters can hear a constant, “very strange” beeping, without knowing that this is the cry of the scops owl.

Among the city’s birdwatching hotspots, Vacaresti Park reigns supreme, offering a lush, diverse habitat with wetlands, reeds, trees, and bushes. Tineretului Park and Lacul Morii also teem with various bird species.

At Vacaresti Park alone, over 180 bird species have been documented, a considerable number that biologist Eugenia Petrescu, representing the Vacaresti Natural Park Administration, deems “far from insignificant.” While this count may be around half of the Danube Delta’s species, it’s still an impressive diversity.

The park plays host to an impressive array of avian life, including various cormorant species and ducks like the common pochard, garganey, mallard, common teal, and mottled duck. Additionally, the gray heron, red heron, night heron, and little bittern also grace the park with their presence.

Read also: Ignace Schops, Ashoka Fellow: We need to translate biodiversity and nature into a language decision-makers understand

The specialists mention that for patient observers, both large and small egrets reveal themselves in Vacaresti Park, albeit discreetly.

Eugenia Petrescu advises visitors to bring binoculars for a more distant yet stress-free viewing experience. She also cautions against using camera flashes, which can startle and disturb the birds.

Among the park’s avian treasures, the red-backed shrike stands out for its amusing behavior. Recognizable by the black stripe on its head, resembling a pirate’s appearance, this unique bird adds a touch of charm to the area.

Another fascinating inhabitant, the penduline tit, deserves special mention for its incredible nest-crafting abilities. Using small pieces of willow and fuzz-covered willow fruits, it constructs an exquisitely beautiful and fluffy nest, which it then suspends from a willow branch. It’s no wonder it’s also known as the purse-building tit, as Petrescu aptly explains.

In Vacaresti Park, responsible wildlife observation allows visitors to appreciate the beauty and behavior of these captivating birds without causing them undue stress. Enjoying nature’s wonders in harmony with its inhabitants enhances the overall experience for both humans and the precious wildlife thriving in this urban oasis.

With its thriving birdlife and enchanting natural settings, Bucharest proves to be a haven for both avian enthusiasts and those seeking a closer connection to nature.

Try a tour in the Vacaresti Natural Park

On Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30, is scheduled a guided Tour with the theme: “In Search of Bird Sounds.” During this tour, the park will be explored by seeking out bird sounds, learning their names in the process. It’s a tour designed for families to spend time together in nature and receive information about the conservation of the park’s biodiversity. The event starts at 7:50 AM – The meeting point will be at the entrance to the park from the Asmita Gardens buildings. The tour will last approximately 2 hours, covering a distance of about 2 km. Participation is free, and the limit is set to 70 people, details here.

Photo courtesy of Administrația Parcul Natural Văcărești