Which avian contenders are vying for the title of 2025's Bird of the Year, and some of these candidates have earlier been spotted in Bremen?
The annual "Bird of the Year" competition in Germany is back for 2025, aiming to raise public awareness about native bird species and their conservation needs. This popular event, which first took place in 1971, has been engaging the public in birdwatching and environmental education for almost five decades, fostering greater support for conservation initiatives.
This year, five bird species have been nominated as candidates: the House Redstart, Crane, Black Woodpecker, Black Stork, and Tawny Owl. Each of these birds plays a unique role in Germany's ecosystem and faces its own set of challenges.
The House Redstart, a slender songbird known to many Bremen residents, is strongly affected by the decline in insects due to intensive agriculture and nature-deprived gardens. This vibrant bird breeds on buildings in Bremen, and its song can be heard as early as 70 minutes before sunrise in summer. Unfortunately, the House Redstart finds it increasingly difficult to find nesting opportunities due to renovations.
The Tawny Owl, a resident of gardens and parks in Bremen, is another candidate for the "Bird of the Year" 2025. Despite its name, the Tawny Owl's "ears" are not ears but feather tufts. This nocturnal predator locates its prey acoustically during hunting and can fly completely silently. The Tawny Owl resembles the Eurasian eagle-owl but is smaller and slimmer.
The Black Stork, a candidate for the "Bird of the Year" 2025, lives reclusively in large forest areas and migrates to Africa for the winter. Its plumage is predominantly black with a greenish-violet metallic sheen. Not much is known about the Black Stork's current status in Germany, but its migration patterns and habitat needs are crucial for its survival.
The Black Woodpecker, another candidate for the "Bird of the Year" 2025, feeds on tree-dwelling insects and their larvae. This bird is easily recognizable due to its black plumage with a deep red middle crown. The Black Woodpecker's nesting holes are used by over 60 different species, including the dormouse, bat, and hollow-dove. Its campaign slogan for 2025 is "Drumming for diversity!".
The Crane, another candidate for the "Bird of the Year" 2025, is a symbol of Germany's commitment to conservation. Although no additional facts about the Crane were provided, its presence in the competition underscores the importance of protecting this iconic species.
Public voting for the "Bird of the Year" 2025 is currently open and can be done at www.vogeldesjahres.de. Voting will close on October 10th, 11:00 AM. By participating in this competition, German citizens can help raise awareness about these five native species and support conservation efforts for their habitats.
In Germany, where environmental consciousness is strong, these competitions bolster national conservation goals by connecting citizens with nature and emphasizing the importance of protecting bird species as indicators of environmental quality. The "Bird of the Year" competition is more than just a vote; it's a chance for the public to engage with nature, contribute to scientific research, and influence conservation policies and funding priorities.
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