The local group of the Latvian ornithological association Madona invites residents of Madona, Luban and Rezekne to participate in the competition “birds at nursery”. The participants of the competition may become individual bird watchers or members of one family, as well as friends of friends, working collectors, school-class or kindergarten groups.
The date of observation of the bird species and records observed in the list (see the attached file “TENDER REGULATIONS”) shall be included in the list to participate. If you see a bird that isn't on the list, you can add it. The bird should be determined by the species, such as the big pupil, the elephant, the house sparrow, the field sparrow. The only species to which the uncertainty is allowed are: the pupil and the grey pupil. If they can't distinguish them, they do not write both but select one. For example, a sparrow hawk feeding birds in the vicinity of a feeder, also a bark located in a tree at a nursery, is added to the list, but the grey crows and wild ducks flying in the sky should not be added to that list. It is recommended that all observed species be reported on the website www.dabasdati.lv
 The winners of the competition will be determined in four nominations:
1) the longest list of species (who will be able to attract and observe the most bird species at the farm?);
2) the most beautiful photo;
3) the most interesting story;
4) the most beautiful drawing.
The first three places in each category will be awarded, and the winners will receive gifts from Luban Wetlands Information Centre and Latvian ornithological associations.
The competition takes place between 01.12.2019 and 31.03.2020, but observation data (file with marked bird species) must be sent by 10.04.2020. to e-mail: lubanamitrajs@gmail.com or transferred personally, before contacting the phone. 29234956.

Useful information for the determination of bird species:

- poster with or near the most common bird species http://lob.lv/download/Zino_par_putniem_darza_2019.pdf
- the assistant to determine the bird species to be visited is available in: http://ej.uz/noteicejs_barotavas
- If you have difficulty determining the bird species, try taking photos and sending a picture to e-mail: lubanamitrajs@gmail.com, or try finding the appropriate species in: http://www.putni.lv/
Inspired:
Currently, the active competition “birds at nursery” has been taking place in Cēsis local group for several years. About their experience can be read here: https://cesuputnugrupa.wordpress.com/konkurss-putni-pie-barotavas/
In the example of how the accounts take place in the Water Stream feed (Cesis local group), you can look at here  https://cesuputnugrupa.wordpress.com/udensstrazdu-putnu-barotava-201415/

 It's important to remember!

• If started, birds should continue to be fed up to the last snow. It is also necessary to follow that the feeding of feed to birds is available at all times. When there is no food, the birds are no longer looking for other feeding opportunities outside the nursery, but until the last time they wait for the feed to be supplemented.

• It is necessary to select a place where cats and other predatory animals are not present. The cats are one of the biggest threats to wild birds.

• In no case should a feed containing salt be used because its birds are dangerous - even deadly!

• A number of cleanliness rules must be observed in the bird canteen: it should be cleaned at least once every two weeks from the pallets and manure of the feed and should be careful not to be covered in the snow and are always readily accessible to the birds.

• On the feeding of birds in winter: http://www.lob.lv/lv/putnu_barosana_ziema.php

By-laws of the “birds at the nursery” competition
Information prepared by: Ilze Sauša, Luban wetted information centre specialist
Photo: Viesturs trops (source: https://cesuputnugrupa.wordpress.com/)