21,704 people attended this year’s EuroBirdwatch, the biggest European birdwatching event hosted by 41 national partner organisations of BirdLife International in Europe and Central Asia. Participating in more than 934 different events taking place over the past weekend, people were able to observe the autumn migration, as birds make their way southwards to their wintering places.

​In Cyprus, BirdLife Cyprus organized three birdwatching events on Sunday 1 October 2017 which were attended by almost 100 people. At Athalassa Park, many families watched and heard a total of 23 species, among them some showstoppers such as two Marsh Harriers, a Night Heron and two Kingfishers. In Akrotiri, participants enjoyed 45 species in total, among them a magnificent Bonelli’s Eagle, the rare Little Swift and a Tufted Duck, while in Mandria, Pafos, participants had the opportunity to marvel at many Red-footed Falcons, two Black Kites and an adult male Pallid Harrier which flew towards the group, circled and went out to sea. The total number of birds observed in Cyprus yesterday was 1,352 from 69 different bird species. Big thanks to everyone who joined us on the day to watch birds, we hope you had as much fun as we did!

Taking place annually on the first weekend of October since 1993, EuroBirdwatch aims to raise awareness for bird migration, promoting needed actions to save threatened bird species and their habitats. Furthermore, the event is a great way for people to observe birds with the help of local ornithologists who are familiar with the nature spectacle which is taking place year after year.

As millions of birds are travelling to their wintering areas in the Mediterranean and in Africa, EuroBirdwatch encouraged people of all ages to observe, enjoy and learn about migratory birds and their fantastic abilities as well as the dangers they face on their long journeys. The data collected by all national BirdLife partners were evaluated and published by the European Centre, a task taken on by a different BirdLife partner each year. This year, BirdLife Slovakia had the honour of processing the data which is accessible online at www.eurobirdwatch.eu