Bird protection

Bird protection in practice

Besides conserving and managing their habitats, certain species are supported by other means as well. The members of our association may assist in population censuses, preparing artificial nesting sites and determining and doing away with threats.
Great Bustard programme
Within the framework of the programme initiated in 1996 in the southern pusztas of the Hortobágy farmers are provided with sowing seed free of charge for the establishment of 20-30 hectares of alfalfa and 30-50 hectares of rape fields on sites proposed by us that are suitable Great Bustard habitats. Also, cultivation and harvest are strictly regulated by contracts, to respect the activities of bustards. As a result, in the past few years most of the Great Bustard population present in the Hortobágy has overwintered in the rape fields sponsored by the Hortobágy Environmental Association. In extremely severe winter weather, the Great Bustard population is also supported by the snow being cleared from rape fields and by provision of additional food (e.g. cabbage leaves).
Lesser White-fronted Goose programme
Lesser White-fronted Geese are paid special attention to, since a significant proportion of the remnant European population visits the Hortobágy during their autumn congregation. Since 1993 its Hortobágy population (at present about 60 birds) is precisely surveyed on an annual basis. This population concentrated on two significant gathering sites initially (Hortobágy fish ponds and Virágoskút fish ponds), but since the creation of the Dinnyés-marshland the birds staying in the region regularly visit this site as well. A great amount of the species’ food consists of freshly sprouting grasses of sodic pusztas, therefore in 1996 we decided to inundate a 10-15 hectare large site in Cserepes puszta, then in 1999 we implemented the Dinnyés-lapos habitat restoration within the protected area to make sure that birds stay in hunting-free sites when feeding. Every year reports are compiled on research outcomes and we are in contact with foreign experts specializing in the species’ conservation. In addition, information material is disseminated among hunters’ societies to prevent population loss by hunting.
Birds of prey programme
Until 2001 in Darassa, then since 2002 in Hortobágy village (Körszín) a permanent exhibition was and has been maintained to call the attention to the importance of birds of prey conservation, where lectures are also held for the public. In winter mainly White-tailed Eagles are fed, and for larger bodied birds of prey a feeding station was established in Darassa that now operates all year round. Artificial nests, nest cradles (for Red-footed Falcons) and nest boxes are placed out for eagles, Sakers and falcons, and guarding of threatened nests is also provided.
Aquatic Warbler, The heraldic bird of the Hortobágy Environmental Association
Aquatic Warblers breed in Hungary only in the Hortobágy, especially in the pusztas of Nagyiván and Kunmadaras. Protected and inundated sites of the National Park ensure long-term protection and suitable breeding grounds for its slowly increasing population. Our members have found new breeding sites in the Borsós Meadow and they check annually all further potential breeding sites, where all kinds of human disturbance (grazing, mowing, etc) are to be restricted.
Nestbox programme
We commenced our nestbox programme to counterbalance the declining number of natural breeding hollows and nests. Our association is especially involved in mounting nests for Red-footed Falcon, Common Kestrel, European Roller and Long-eared Owl. In 2002 and 2003 the life opportunities of these dwindling breeders were improved by placing out over 350 nestboxes. Red-footed Falcons bred successfully in the nestboxes mounted in the experimental year 2002 (Péteri Forest).