“The Ornithological Friday” has always been marked on the AOS annual calendar as an important ornithological educational activity dedicated to youth and kids. We, here at the Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS), are continuing the tradition of “The Ornithological Friday,” cooperating closely with educational institutions in several cities at the national level.
The enthusiastic and inquisitive students of “Hafiz Ibrahim Dalliu” school became part of the latest “Ornithological Friday”, where jointly, with the staff of the school and the students, we headed to the epicenter of Albanian biodiversity, Divjaka-Karavasta National Park.
The first stop of this ornithological tour was in the Visitor’s Center of the Park, where an introduction to the characteristic flora and fauna of the park piqued the students’ curiosity. Almost all of the students became enthusiastically inquisitive, asking questions like: What’s the lifespan of a Dalmatian Pelican? What is the daily menu of a Dalmatian Pelican? Why are the flamingos pinkish?
After the students were presented with an overview of the Park’s biodiversity, we walked to the observation tower of the Pelican colony, a moment that students were eagerly anticipating. The Pelicans have now gathered on the island where they have built their nests and are now brooding the eggs, waiting for the first hatches and the first chicks.
While the students were observing the Pelicans’ Island, AOS field-ornithologists shared interesting facts on the Dalmatian Pelicans. In addition, some guidance on the use of scopes and lenses for birdwatching was provided. Of course, during the observation, the students could not overlook the pelicans’ big, red bills, large wingspan, and gliding flight, just above the surface of the lagoon.
In addition to the pelicans, the observation included sightings of elegant pink flamingos, various Herons, Pygmy Cormorants, Seagulls, Marsh Harriers, Ducks, Waders, etc.
The students’ visit to Divjaka-Karavasta National Park accomplished its purpose of bringing youngsters closer to nature and providing basic information on birds and nature. We were delighted to see the students compiling a list of all of the observed bird species and promising to come back to the Park again.
