SmartBirds
At the end of spring, Vitosha Nature Park became the scene of a special event dedicated to owl lovers. On the initiative of Lidl Bulgaria, Vitosha Nature Park, and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), the spotlight was placed on the conservation of these nocturnal predators and their importance to nature.Lidl Bulgaria donated a monitor and presentation equipment for the Owl Museum, while volunteers from #teamlidl installed two information boards and assembled 10 nest boxes for Tengmalm’s Owl and Tawny Owl, which will be mounted this autumn.
Owls are among the most fascinating bird species in Bulgaria – effective night hunters that play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Ten species occur in Bulgaria, nine of which inhabit Vitosha Nature Park, including the glacial relict Tengmalm’s Owl. They live in diverse habitats – from forests and high mountains to agricultural areas and settlements. With their sharp vision and exceptional hearing, owls are efficient hunters of rodents, insects, and other small animals, helping to protect crops and reduce the need for pesticides.Besides their ecological importance, owls have rich cultural symbolism – representing wisdom, protection, and mystery. Today, however, they face numerous threats, mainly habitat loss and excessive pesticide use.
Would you like to meet these mysterious birds up close? Visit the Owl Museum on Vitosha! There you can explore life-size models and enjoy an engaging audio presentation prepared by BSPB experts, bringing you into the enchanting world of owls.
This event was just the first step in the joint conservation initiative. On October 26, the teams will return to Vitosha to install the nest boxes and provide a cozy home for the feathered residents near the “Beli Brezi” Children’s Eco Station and the Dendarium. If you would like to join as a volunteer, please send your name and contact number by October 20 to: .
