Slovakia is an important crossing of bird migration routes. Even though the winter does not seem to farewell to us, now is the time for the return of many domestic species as well as the departure of winter guests. The process of nesting has been starting- from selection of partner and territory, through mating or egg yield. Spring migration is much faster than the autumn migration, birds are driven by instinct and the need for breeding. In spring, birds can be seen or heard much easier than, for example, during raising youngsters when their behavior is less noticeable. Although today is the first spring day, birds have to deal with cool weather. They have hundreds of kilometers behind, stormy wind, some even desert storms. Natural resources are now at the minimum and snow has been covered many areas in Slovakia, so we recommend feeding.

Within the LIFE Energy project, it is also important to care for two sites where we increase the population of the suslik, a significant prey for birds of prey. Partner energy companies have installed elements to allow diverting flight paths to birds and preventing dangerous collisions. In addition at several places were planted trees for the purpose of revitalizing the existing wind breaks, or creating new ones, since such vegetation can increase the visibility of electric lines for birds and limit such collisions. In comparison with autumn, flight diverters were installed at three kilometers; so to this day together with 52 kilometer lines are now safe. Five additional kilometers are insulated by suitable type of barriers and protect birds before electrocution.

Additional information:

• You can find out more about the project LIFE13 NAT/SK/001272 ENERGIA on the web site www.lifeenergia.sk , eventually www.facebook.com/lifeenergia.sk.

• Project is supported by European Union within a LIFE program. It contributes significantly to improvement of conditions for the criterial species of birds in Natura 2000 sites.

• The short-eared owl The short-eared owl
• Rough-legged Buzzard Rough-legged Buzzard
• Eastern imperial eagle Eastern imperial eagle
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