Birding in Ukraine

Birding in Ukraine Discover Ukraine! Ukraine is home to over 420 bird species, from common residents to rare and endangered ones.

The country’s unique mix of natural zones — from the dense Carpathian forests to the endless steppes and the wetland ecosystems along the Black Sea coast — offers ideal habitats for a varieties of birds. This makes it a dream location for bird identification and observation.

30/08/2026

THE FINAL DAYS OF WARTIME SUMMER 2026: TUZLY AS A MIGRATION CROSSROADS AND THE FLAMINGOS THAT STAY
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

Just a couple of days remain until the end of the wartime summer of 2026. Nature follows its age-old laws, and though the heavy noises of the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine echo painfully through the reserve every day, the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park currently resembles a bustling, vital transit hub.

A Migratory Bridge to Africa
These days, our lagoons are overflowing with feathered travelers. Hundreds and thousands of birds stop here for a brief rest to recover their strength and refuel before undertaking the long and perilous journey further south—all the way to distant Africa. For them, the protected shallows and sandbars remain a vital lifeline along their migratory flyways.

The Resilient Greater Flamingos
Special attention goes to our enduring heroes of recent years—the Greater Flamingos. Despite the continuous anthropogenic noises of war, environmental disruptions, and all the obstacles that once again prevented them from successfully nesting this year, they are in no rush to leave their familiar waters.

In small, cautious flocks, they still hold their ground across our lagoons, finding sanctuary in the most remote protected zones. Their presence at the end of August is a vivid symbol of resilience, beauty, and an indomitable will to survive against the darkness of war. We continue to guard their peace, believing that the time will surely come when birds can peacefully raise new generations here under a peaceful Ukrainian sky.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

27/08/2026

THE RED-FOOTED FALCON: MASS ROOSTING AND PREPARATION FOR A LONG JOURNEY AT TUZLY
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

The autumn migration is in full swing in the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park. Alongside waterfowl, our steppes and coastline attract graceful avian predators. Meet the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus).

A Small Falcon with a Big Journey
The Red-footed Falcon is a miniature and exceptionally elegant falcon. In summer, they typically nest in colonies, but as autumn approaches, their behavior shifts. Right now, these birds gather from vast areas to roost in large flocks within the national park. They group together for safety and to build up their final strength before undertaking a complex and arduous journey—a long migration all the way to distant Africa.

A Masterful Steppe Hunter
The accompanying video captures a brilliant male Red-footed Falcon demonstrating his hunting skills. His primary target at this moment is agile steppe lizards. Despite its modest size, this falcon is an extraordinarily swift and precise hunter, effectively regulating populations of reptiles and large insects.

Despite all the anxieties and severe challenges of war, the wild nature of the Tuzly Lagoons continues to follow its age-old rhythms. Witnessing these massive gatherings of migrating falcons is a true marvel, reminding us of the unstoppable continuity of life on our land.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

25/08/2026

THE TRANSIT HUB OF TUZLY: MALLARDS DOMINATE THE 2026 AUTUMN MIGRATION
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

It is late August in the wartime year of 2026, and autumn bird migration is already in full swing in the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park. Our protected lagoons now resemble a vast, bustling transit station where countless feathered travelers stop on their journey from the north to southern wintering grounds.

Despite the relentless, heavy pressure of the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine, nature remarkably preserves its age-old biological rhythms.

Mallards: The Masters of the Autumn Transit
Among this colorful avian diversity, absolute dominants stand out clearly right now—the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). These familiar wild ducks gather in massive flocks across the Tuzly shallows.

The lagoons provide them with essential food and a safe space to rest before the next leg of their long journey. Mallards feel right at home in the shallows, actively feeding and gathering strength. Their characteristic chatter and splashing water create a unique atmosphere of vibrant, indomitable nature.

Life Despite the War
Every such stopover by migratory birds at Tuzly is a reminder that life goes on. Even when the echoes and roars of war hang over the reserve, the birds continue to trust these shores.

Our national park has been and remains a vital lifeline for preserving European biodiversity. We continue to vigilantly guard the peace of this transit hub, believing that future generations of birds will greet peaceful dawns on free Ukrainian soil.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

19/08/2026

AN AUTUMN MIX AT TUZLY: MIGRATION AND THE UNHURRIED LOCALS OF THE LAGOONS
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

Autumn bird migration is already well underway in the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park and will continue until the beginning of winter. The reserve's skies and waters fill daily with feathered travelers heading south. Yet, amidst this seasonal movement, there are those who are in no rush to leave.

The Unhurried Shelduck Chicks
Across various Tuzly lagoons, you can still encounter young Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) chicks. Even though the calendar hints at approaching colder days, these youngsters and the adult birds have no plans to embark on long journeys just yet.

Typically, shelducks spend the entire winter right here in our national park. They remain on the lagoons until the salty waters freeze over. Only when the ice locks up their favorite feeding grounds do they change their wintering location, moving in search of unfrozen waters.

The Shadow of War on Natural Rhythms
Today, every such season carries a bitter undertone. The war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine inflicts harsh adjustments on wildlife and reproduction. Constant noises, explosions, and alarms disrupt the animals' natural biological rhythms, adding severe stress to their daily lives.

Despite all the challenges, the nature of Tuzly continues to fight for survival. We believe that the resilient spirit of these birds symbolizes our shared unyielding strength, and that future migrations will be welcomed by our feathered neighbors under a peaceful Ukrainian sky.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

THE GOLDEN WOLF: WHO FILLS THE PREDATOR'S ECOLOGICAL NICHE AT TUZLY?Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://ww...
16/08/2026

THE GOLDEN WOLF: WHO FILLS THE PREDATOR'S ECOLOGICAL NICHE AT TUZLY?
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

On August 13, the world celebrated International Wolf Day. This important ecological date is designed to draw attention to the protection of these remarkable animals, dispel persistent myths about them as "fearsome predators," and remind us of their indispensable role in maintaining the natural balance.

Who Fills the Wolf's Ecological Niche in the South?
In southern Ukraine, wolves are practically gone. Their former territory and natural niche have been successfully occupied by other skilled wildlife inhabitants—foxes, badgers, and the agile golden wolves we know as jackals (Canis aureus).

In the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park, jackals play a vital role by acting as the true natural sanitary inspectors of the ecosystem, timely cleaning the coastline and ensuring the biological health of the reserve.

The fundamental rule of nature remains absolute: wherever jackals and other predator-sanitarians live, a stable balance and a high level of biodiversity are maintained. Despite all of today's challenges, the wild nature of the Tuzly Lagoons continues to fulfill its age-old laws for the sake of life.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

DURING A SHARED "SHAHED" PASSAGE: THE DISTURBING ECHO OF WAR FOR TUZLY'S FEATHERED RESIDENTSLink to the website - Birdin...
15/08/2026

DURING A SHARED "SHAHED" PASSAGE: THE DISTURBING ECHO OF WAR FOR TUZLY'S FEATHERED RESIDENTS
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

The skies over the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park bear witness not only to birds, but to the deadly creations of war. The passage of enemy Shahed drones has become a horrifying routine, bringing destructive stress to the entire wildlife of the reserve.

Reaction of the Sky: Frightened Gulls
When a hostile drone rumbles past, the feathered sentinels of the lagoons are the first to react. In particular, Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) instantly take flight. Their anxious cries fill the air, and their chaotic flight reflects profound stress. For birds accustomed only to the natural sounds of wind and waves, the roar of engine-driven weapons is an unnatural and terrifying shock.

A Blow to the Park's Symbol: What is Happening to the Flamingos
Yet, this technological terror hits the most sensitive residents—Greater Flamingos—the hardest.

Back in early July, we observed a majestic, large flock of these unique birds. However, the constant disturbance, explosions, and roar of weaponry forced a dramatic shift. Today, the situation has worsened: from that once-large population, only a few small groups remain, with the total number of flamingos in the national park dropping to just a little over a hundred birds. Driven by fear, most of them had to abandon their familiar feeding grounds and move elsewhere in search of peace.

The war unleashed by Russia destroys not only human lives but drives unique wildlife from their rightful homes. We continue to stand guard over the Tuzly Lagoons, believing that fragile silence and safety will inevitably return to our shores.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

14/08/2026

THE LESSER GREY SHRIKE: A MODEST SONGBIRD OR A FIERCE PREDATOR OF TUZLY?
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

Wandering along the protected trails of the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park, one can easily encounter a bird that at first glance looks like an ordinary, unassuming songbird. The Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) appears to be just a small avian singer. However, hidden beneath this modest exterior is one of the most skillful and fascinating feathered predators in the natural world.

A Hunter with Character
Despite its modest size, the shrike lives the life of a true hunter. Its diet consists of large insects (beetles, grasshoppers, dragonflies) and occasionally small vertebrates. Lacking the powerful talons of a bird of prey to hold its catch, the shrike has developed a unique and rather striking strategy.

It impales its captured prey onto the sharp thorns of nearby bushes—most commonly blackthorn, hawthorn, or false acacia. This natural "skewer" securely holds the victim in place, allowing the bird to easily tear it apart using its strong, hooked beak.

More Than Just a Larder
These thorny "caches" serve a vital role in the shrike's life:

Strategic Reserves: During bad weather or when insects are scarce, these larders save the shrike from hunger.

A Sign of Prowess: During the breeding season, these food stores act as the ultimate proof of a male's hunting mastery. The female evaluates potential partners based on their ability to accumulate such reserves. A male that regularly brings in prey and builds up a food supply demonstrates reliability and has a much higher chance of successfully raising offspring.

The Lesser Grey Shrike is yet another remarkable testament to how wisely and uncompromisingly nature is arranged in the Tuzly Lagoons. Despite today's anxieties, this little predator continues to fulfill its natural mission, reminding us of the unstoppable rhythm of life on our land.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

11/08/2026

AN UNCONQUERED GENERATION: HOW SHELDUCK CHICKS GROW AMID THE NOISE OF WAR
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

War leaves no corner of our nature untouched, bringing constant, heavy noise and anxiety. Yet, life in the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park persists, driven by the most powerful of instincts—the urge to survive and propagate. The best proof of this is our youngest generation.

In Search of Sanctuary
Today, we see the chicks of the Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) confidently exploring the protected areas. Despite the roars and rumbles that periodically echo around them, this young generation demonstrates astonishing resilience. Alongside the adult birds, the little ones find safe shallows and cozy spots where they can peacefully feed and rest.

Little Heroes of the Great Lagoons
Shelducks are fiercely devoted parents, and their chicks learn to adapt to harsh realities from their very first days. They expertly forage across the lagoons, gathering strength for their future adult flights.

Watching these fluffy travelers stride along the shoreline or calmly paddle on the water reminds us once again: Ukraine's nature does not yield. Every new chick raised at Tuzly is a small victory of life over the darkness of war. We are doing and will continue to do everything possible to protect their home, believing in a peaceful future for our land.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

06/08/2026

NEIGHBORS IN THE RESERVE: SLENDER-BILLED GULL AND SANDWICH TERN NEAR THE BLACK SEA
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

In the most remote, protected corners of the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park, not far from the Black Sea, a unique and bustling life is unfolding. This coastal zone is a true paradise for birds, where many fascinating species can be found. Today, our cameras captured two remarkable coastal residents: the Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei) and the Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis).

The Elegant Gull
The Slender-billed Gull is easily recognized by its graceful, elongated bill and the delicate pinkish tinge on its breast, making it especially elegant. This species is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, so every encounter with it at Tuzly is a great joy for our ecologists and proof that the protected zone reliably shields rare birds. They feel safe here, finding everything they need for sustenance in the shallows.

The Swift and Accurate Hunter
Right alongside the gulls, you can often spot the Sandwich Tern. This bird is a true master of rapid flight. Its distinctive black crest and black bill with a bright yellow tip make it recognizable at a glance. The Sandwich Tern skillfully stalks fish in the water, diving for it with lightning speed.

Harmony Near the Sea
Watching these two different yet harmonious bird communities share the space near the Black Sea is a true delight. Despite all today's challenges, the wild nature of the Tuzly Lagoons preserves its age-old rhythm. Our protected sandbars and lagoons remain a reliable sanctuary where birds can rest peacefully, hunt, and prepare for new journeys.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

02/08/2026

AUGUST IN TUZLY: THE SAD REALITY OF FLAMINGO NESTING IN 2026
Link to the website - Birding in Ukraine (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/)

Today is August 2, 2026, and summer is steadily drawing to a close. Looking back at these past months, we must state a painful fact: this year's season has once again brought disappointment for our feathered guests.

In this wartime year of 2026, Greater Flamingos—just like in 2022, 2024, and 2025 (with the sole happy exception of 2023, which blessed us with two hundred chicks)—have once again failed to find a safe and quiet place for nesting in the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park.

The Echo of War on Protected Lagoons
The main obstacle preventing the birth of a new generation remains the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine. Highly sensitive to sudden sounds, explosions, and anthropogenic noise, the birds are constantly startled by the sounds of war. They are simply deprived of the most essential condition: the silence critically needed for hatching chicks.

Where Are They Now?
Currently, the total number of flamingos in the national park is a few hundred individuals. Seeking safety, these majestic birds stay primarily within the most remote, inaccessible protected zone, which is strictly closed to visitors. Here, they feel relatively protected from prying eyes and human interference.

We continue to carefully guard their peace, understanding their every movement and every alarm. Despite the fact that the miracle of nesting did not happen this year, the very fact of their presence in Tuzly reminds us of their resilience and thirst for life. The opportunity to see Greater Flamingos on our free land will certainly come—but only after our Victory.

Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like to support us, we would be grateful if you visited our online store (https://www.birdinginukraine.com/store).

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