Nature, Birdwatching guide | Parco turistico Cavallino Treporti

Birdwatching guide

An ecological sport

A true passion for many, birdwatching is a relaxing and healthy activity: it frees you from the stresses of everyday life by offering recreation in a natural environment, in the open air . In order to discover new species of birds and their habitats, one is obliged to travel and take long walks. In fascinating and picturesque places that keep us fit while having fun. The whole family can learn a lot from observing bird behaviour in nature , and it can become a group experience to share an adventure with friends.

It is also useful for training cognitive faculties, memory and orientation skills. It is an ecological sport, it helps to recover the relationship with nature and brings us closer to the territory in a deeper and more emotional way.

A very important practice for monitoring biodiversity , birdwatching has been a popular hobby in England since the nineteenth century and now boasts a worldwide audience of 2 million people, both experienced and amateur birdwatchers . It is undoubtedly one of the most fun and interesting activities one can engage in, especially in the summer and spring months, but it also holds surprises in the autumn or winter when even the most solitary birds come together in groups to face the low temperatures.

No special technical skills are needed to become a birdwatcher, but knowledge of a number of bird species will certainly make the task easier for those new to the sport. For the first rudiments, you can visit the C.A.T. (tourist environmental centre) , which is located on the beach at the end of Via di Ca' Savio. Then, armed with binoculars, you can practice in the nearest park or directly in the pine forest, but also directly on the campsite and gradually explore new territories that will allow you to appreciate different species.

The birdwatcher's decalogue

1. It is advisable to wear comfortable, neutral-coloured clothes and a good pair of walking shoes and always carry a water bottle.

2. Carry lightweight binoculars with a magnification of no more than 10x and easy to handle. The more powerful the binoculars, the more difficult it is to frame the bird and bring it into focus.

3. Take along a bird manual, a notebook and a pencil to make notes on the birds seen and the places visited. A good camera with a telephoto lens and tripod allows the 'capture' to be documented for posterity.

4. The best times for birdwatching are early morning or late afternoon, when the birds are most active. Some birds of prey, however, can only be seen at night.

5. Find out in advance what species of birds are present in the area or in the area in which you intend to move. A visit to the C.A.T. may help. In this way you will be able to recognise the silhouette or the sound and immediately identify the bird.

6. Be discreet, quiet and careful not to interfere with the natural environment. This will increase your chances of sightings and allow you to fully enjoy the experience.

7. Avoid getting too close to nests or nesting colonies. Always keep the right distance from animals so as not to drive them away.

8. If possible, observe from a hut or shelter or from a watchtower

9. birdwatching means respecting the natural environment and the animals that live in it. If you can get in tune with their habitat, you will have an unforgettable experience.

10. To recognise a bird it is necessary to look at several things: size, shape of body, beak and legs, colour of plumage and particular patterns on the wings, type of flight, outline of wings in flight.

NOTE

All wild bird populations are protected by Law 157 of 1992 as an "unavailable asset" of the State. However, there are some species that, more than others, need attention, either because they are in decline (within or outside national borders) or because they are sometimes even threatened with extinction.

Italy has drawn up a list of these specially protected species. The Great White Egret, Purple Heron, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Marsh Harrier, Flamingo, Kentish Plover, Great Crested Gull, Little Egret, Kingfisher, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Tern, Spoonbill and Little Bittern are also on this list.

All species present in the Cavallino Treporti area.

Birdwatching guide

An ecological sport

The birdwatcher's decalogue

NOTE

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