The English-speaking Section of natur&ëmwelt, the nature conservation organisation, have announced an event entitled "Birds of a feather flock together" on Wednesday 20 August from 18:00 to 21:00 at the "Haff Réimech" Nature Reserve in Remerschen.
During the months of August and September, huge numbers of Barn Swallows and Starlings come to roost every evening in the "Haff Réimech" Nature Reserve. They form huge flocks and this spectacle happens every evening until they leave for their winter quarters. For Swallows, this means Africa, south to the Sahara, and for Starlings Southern Europe or North Africa. They congregate in hundreds over the reserve and eventually sleep in the reed beds for warmth and protection from predators.
The rule is simple, the bigger the flock of birds, the less chance that each individual bird can be caught by a predator. Additionally, there are thousands of eyes scanning the sky for predators. Hundreds of birds can often create a spectacular “ballet” in the sky and eventually form a “funnel” or "rain" especially if there is a bird of prey around. Then, just after sunset, they settle down into a communal roost in the reeds for the night.
The English-speaking Section of natur&ëmwelt is organising an event to watch this show. Attendees will also have the opportunity to watch other bird species in the reserve and visit the ringing station to learn about bird ringing.
Meeting place: The bird hide in the nature reserve at 18:00. Parking can be found at the nature reserve between the villages of Remerschen and Wintrange.
Attendance is free-of-charge. For registration, see www.eventbrite.com/o/naturampemwelt-english-speaking-section-2814647574
Photo by Nigel Mykura creative commons
