On May 15 and 17, we organized a two-day event as part of the KeepItDark project, dedicated to the fascinating birds of the night! We listened for nightingales, ringed Eurasian blackcaps, and installed nest boxes for some of the most remarkable nocturnal birds, the owls.

In May, life returns to our garden as well. As dusk approaches, the hedgerow comes alive and the beautiful song of the common nightingale, fills the air. We wanted to share this special springtime experience with our visitors.

On Friday, Dr. Máté Havasi gave a bird-ringing demonstration, followed by a presentation on the ecological and human impacts of light pollution. During the ringing session, participants had the opportunity to observe some of the garden’s most common bird species up close, including the Eurasian blackcap and the common blackbird.

Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the second part of the program was held on Sunday. During this event, a barn owl nest box and a little owl nest tube were installed in Pórszombat to support local owl populations.

The event was organized within the framework of the Interreg Slovenia–Hungary KeepItDark project. The project aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting dark, light-pollution-free skies, as well as conserving nocturnal wildlife and preserving the natural night-time environment.

Photos by KeepItDark