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Lithuania
Rare Bird Conservation
Action day for endangered Goosander in Kaunas - 10th March 2009
In 1992 the Goosander was commemorated in a special set of stamps by Lithuania Post.
The Goosander (Mergus Merganser) is an endangered species of bird. The city of Kaunas has the largest population in Lithuania with 20 pairs living along the Nemunas River. The Goosander nests in old hollow trees which are increasingly hard to find making it very difficult for the female to find suitable nesting locations for its young. The females were found trying to nest in town locations with all the inherent dangers of prey and motor traffic.
Ornithologist and veterinarian Dr Julius Morkunas raised this matter with LGGD President Dr Ben Noreikis and a project was announced to build and locate special nesting boxes along the Nemunas River in time for the breeding season.
Tremendous local interest quickly expanded nationally with TV and news media eagerly awaiting the day when the specially designed nest boxes would be erected in carefully selected locations along the beautiful river Nemunas. The boxes, designed by Dr Morkunas, are very heavy due to their size and not easy to erect but with many volunteers assisting throughout the project, this obstacle was easily overcome. Now the Goosander females will have safe nests for their offspring.
We hope you enjoy viewing the images and video of this project, which we will report on again when we are able to show you the happy results! Please click here to view images.
