Jena, May 06, 2026. Starting this coming Friday, the 22nd edition of the nationwide NABU campaign “Hour of Garden Birds” begins. Nature enthusiasts in Jena and throughout Thüringen are called upon to observe local birdlife for a weekend and actively document the populations.
- Campaign: 22nd NABU participatory campaign “Hour of Garden Birds”
- Period: May 8 to 10, 2026 (any chosen hour)
- Location: Garden, balcony, park, or from a room window
- Reporting deadline: May 18, 2026
- Online reporting: www.NABU-Thueringen.de/stunde-der-gartenvoegel or via the free NABU-Vogelwelt app
How the bird count works
Participation in the participatory campaign is straightforward and requires no in-depth ornithological knowledge. Observers find a quiet spot and, during a self-selected hour, note the highest number of each bird species observed or heard simultaneously. This specific counting method ensures that birds flying back and forth are not recorded twice in the statistics.
The collected data helps conservationists obtain a well-founded picture of the population development of the most common settlement birds in our cities and villages. Based on the evaluations, long-term population changes – for example, due to climatic changes, insect decline, or the loss of nesting sites – can be identified early, and protective measures can be derived.
Background: Birdwatching in Jena
The diverse landscape of Jena offers birds various habitats: from the densely planted allotment gardens in the Saaletal to the extensive Paradiespark and greened inner courtyards in Lobeda or Winzerla. In past counts in Thüringen, the house sparrow (Spatz), the blackbird, the great tit, and the starling typically led the rankings of the most frequently sighted animals. For a successful count over the weekend, observation in the early morning hours or late afternoon is recommended, as birds are particularly active in search of food during these times. Binoculars and an identification book make it easier to recognize the different species.
Source:
NABU participatory campaign “Hour of Garden Birds”
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.