In the Vitebsk region, about 2.8 thousand birdhouses were installed for International Bird Day
Traditionally, for the day dedicated to winged inhabitants of the earth, environmental protection services in the Vitebsk region hold contests for the best birdhouse and campaigns to install accommodations for feathered creatures. "About 2.8 thousand birdhouses have been installed in the Vitebsk region: 1090 starling houses, 1630 titmouse houses, 8 owl houses, and 60 goldeneye houses. It is planned to install about 60 more starling houses and 1.7 thousand titmouse houses," the regional committee informed.
Educational institutions, enterprises of the region, and ecologists have joined in the creation of birdhouses. For the contests for the best starling house, schoolchildren, together with their parents, create entire mansions. When making a decision, the jury considers, firstly, the originality of the design, and secondly, its functionality. For example, the interior of the bird dwelling should not be smooth, so that the feathered creatures have something to grip with their paws. The lid of the house should be removable or hinged: then, after the inhabitants fly to warmer climes, a thorough cleaning can be carried out for the next settlers.
In each district, lessons, meetings with ecologists, environmental protection inspectors, and ornithologists are dedicated to this holiday. They inform the young and adult residents of the region about the diversity of bird species inhabiting the specific region.
Today, birdhouses are also being improved in a specially protected area within the local biological reserve "Chertova Boroda" near Vitebsk. Ancient oaks, pine, spruce, linden, ash, and other woody plants grow here. The reserve territory is home to 10 species of mammals and about 60 species of nesting birds.