Have you ever imagined what it would be like to fly like a bird or if you would survive the migration journey of birds? What do you think would help you and what do you think would be a threat or an obstacle on this journey? Now, with the new and free mobile application (app) by BirdLife Cyprus ‘Feathered Journeys’ you can try your luck as a migratory bird and see whether you will manage to survive and complete this difficult journey.

In the small ‘encyclopaedia’ section of the application you can learn fascinating information about some of the 400 different bird species that have been recorded in Cyprus, and in particular, species that are affected by illegal bird trapping. For example, you will get to know the Roller, whose English name of the unmistakeable Roller comes from the courtship dance of the bird, where it seems to roll in the air, and the impressive Hoopoe features in many ancient writings, such as ‘The Birds’ by Aristophanes.

The application also allows you to report incidents of illegal bird trapping and poaching which BirdLife Cyprus will report to the competent authorities, safeguarding your anonymity. With the recent law amendment for the protection and management of wild birds and game species, we expect the coming autumn to be a bad one for illegal bird trapping and poaching in Cyprus. The application is an easy-to-use tool enabling users to help in tackling this serious and persistent problem.

Part of one of the main migratory flyways in Europe and with over 250 migratory bird species, Cyprus is extremely important for birds. This makes it also a destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers who visit Cyprus to admire the island’s birds and natural beauty. The app ‘Feathered journeys’ will introduce you to the birds of Cyprus, the wonder of migration and its challenges, in time for the next autumn migration, when birds will be returning to the areas where they will spend the winter!

The app is suitable for children as well as adults and is available for free in Greek and English for both Android and iOS (mobile phones and tables).

The creation of this app was funded by the MAVA Foundation through BirdLife International.

The game in the app is based on the educational board game produced by BirdLife Cyprus and funded by NABU (BirdLife in Germany) and the Heinz Sielmann Foundation.