By Bisola Adeyemo
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Thursday, has encouraged some school children on the need to protect nests birds as well as how to care for bird nests if found.
About 98 students were gathered by tnhe Foundation to mark Spring Alive event 2021 with the theme “Protect Bird Nests”.
The Spring Alive is an international annual project to encourage children’s interest in nature and the conservation of migratory birds and to get them to take action for birds and other wildlife as well as to participate in events organised by BirdLife gatekeeper report.
The students were taught about migratory birds and some of the challenges which include tall glass buildings, electrical wires and poles, wind turbines, and similar structures.
Predators kill hundreds of thousands of birds each year, and during migration, migrating birds may be unaware of local predators at stopovers during their journey.
Birds migrate from one place to another during winter when food sources are limited in northern areas, birds fly towards south where weather is mild and food is in plenty.
Also to lay their eggs in more suitable places and weather conditions.
Migratory birds provide critical services such as seed dispersal, pollination, pest control, cultural value, nature’s clean-up crew, helps research, stress relief, and more, which are beneficial to mankind.
According to BirdLife Africa, the planet is amid its sixth mass extinction event, with climate change, habitat destruction and other human activities devastating the diversity of life on the planet.
But while the crisis is undeniably urgent, there’s also hope. Humans may create huge challenges – but with enough support, dedication, education and resources, they can also be reversed.
The Head of Environmental Education of NCF, Abidemi Balogun said “as a student, for the moment and future, you must play your role in protecting our birds so that we can continue to have species we can currently see and admire”.
