Although the ornithological station has been working more closely on the living conditions of birds for about 50 years, it stays out of politics. The institute wants to focus on providing information, explains the biologist. The biodiversity initiative is an exception, however. It goes to the vote in 2024. The institute agrees with the popular initiative calling for more space and resources to cultivate diversity. To improve the birds’ living environment, the institute works mainly on site by cooperating with farmers that work in close harmony with nature. …to the benefit of the birds and hares In Champagne (canton of Geneva) and Klettgau (canton of Schaffhausen), the institute has contributed to establishing award-winning ecological areas for the birds on agricultural land. Eurasian skylark numbers are on the rise in these areas and the hare has also made a comeback, says Rey. The 33-year-old Bernese native has been working at the institute for eight years. His favourite is the attractive peregrine falcon, a speed record-holder in the animal kingdom: it can dive at 200 kilometres per hour. It can be seen almost anywhere in the world: “It’s a unifying force.” The peregrine falcon is also an example of successful species preservation. In the 1960s, the widespread use of the insecticide DDT brought it to the brink of extinction. An international environmental movement campaigned against the product, leading to it being banned in 1972. The peregrine falcon has since recovered. “It is living proof of what can be achieved if you try hard enough,” says Rey. Bird species in wetlands, bodies of water or marshes, are also suffering. Leisure activities as well as other things are impacting their livelihood. “Birds are a reflection of the environment,” concludes the expert. “They are a very accurate indicator of how we treat the environment.” Knowledge of how things are developing is also based on the extensive data held by the institute. Monitoring, i.e. counting numbers, has been one of their top priorities for decades. They have more than 2,000 volunteers supporting them all over the country, from retired natural scientists to track layers. Teaming up with agriculture… Researching bird migration is another cornerstone of the institute’s mandate. The nature of this work has changed in line with technological advances. Migratory birds aren’t just ringed anymore; they also carry extremely light data storage devices known as geolocators that are attached to the birds like a rucksack. They deliver “impressive findings”, says Rey. For example, the alpine swift remains airborne for 200 consecutive days. The small great reed warbler reaches heights of up to 6,000 metres during migration. The peregrine falcon – seen here diving at speed – is an example of successful species conservation. In the 1960s, it stood on the brink of extinction due to the use of a particular insecticide. A measure taken in 1972 ensured the species’ survival. Photo: Keystone www.vogelwarte.ch www.ornitho.ch Swiss Review / March 2024 / No.2 11
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