Content

1. What is ornithology?
2. Ornithology in Latvia
3. Bird watching activities and activities
4. Problems and ways to solve them
5. Our school activities in bird research

Ornithology, a branch of zoology dealing with the study of birds. 

Ornithology in Latvia

To date, some 365 bird species have been encountered in Latvia. Certainly there are some that have not yet been encountered, as almost every year new bird species are observed in Latvia. The number of bird species observed in Latvia is growing faster than the number of years in Latvia – since 2000, a total of 43 species have been added to the Latvian list of birds – an average of 2.4 species per year.

Latvian Ornithological Society (LOB) was founded in 1985 and anyone interested in birds and nature conservation can join it.

The mission of LOB is to conserve diverse and viable wild bird fauna of Latvia.

At the end of 2012 LOB had 439 members: people of various ages and occupations joined by interest in birds and research and conservation of them. LOB is overseen by a Council of eight members and a president, elected for four years by our members. Everyday work is run by the Board and staff. The buget of LOB consists of project funding, donations by private individuals and companies and membership fees.

Since 1994 (since 2001 as a full partner) LOB is the representative of the global partnership of conservation organisations BirdLife International in Latvia.

LOB carries out research and conservation of wild birds and their habitats, educates and involves wider society and cooperates with other NGOs and government institutions to ensure conservation of birds.

Bird-watching, the observation of live birds in their natural habitat, a popular pastime and scientific sport that developed almost entirely in the 20th century. In the 19th century almost all students of birds used guns and could identify an unfamiliar species only when its corpse was in their hands. Modern bird-watching was made possible largely by the development of optical aids, particularly binoculars, which enabled people to see and study wild birds, without harming them, better than ever before.

One of the great appeals of bird-watching is that it is a relatively inexpensive activity. Basic equipment includes binoculars, a field book to aid identification, and a notebook for recording time and place of sightings; it is not necessary to travel. Many bird-watchers set up feeding stations to attract birds. The lists of bird observations compiled by members of local bird-watching societies are very useful to scientists in determining dispersal, habitat, and migration patterns of the various species.

Regular LOB organizes various events and actions that educate  about bird life and help observe them wisely.

The latest facts:

• The Latvian Ornithological Society (LOB) is announcing a campaign whose essence is to count the number and species of birds staying in the garden or the feeder within one hour of the campaign. The campaign takes place in all the Baltic States at the same time in accordance with a common methodology. One of the three days – January 25, 26, or 27 – should choose exactly one hour when you’re completely free.

• The Latvian Ornithological Society (LOB) has chosen Bonas bonasia as a wild boar for 2019. Mezirbe is a species of fallen bird living in the forests of the European Union. Since 2005, the number of foresters in Latvia has decreased rapidly. The LOB will continue to explore the causes of population decline and will invite the public to engage in this work.
• There are several places in Latvia where bird watching is taking place – they are marked on the map shown on the next page.
  These are places in nature reserves, reserves or other areas rich in birds.

One of the professions acquired at Ogre Technical School is forestry specialists. The curriculum also includes bird exploration.
The students of the school regularly participate in various events about nature, the forest and also birds. The following pictures show some events.