On February 19, Ornithologist Day is celebrated. A reminder from a Telegram channel called Reserved Podlemorye nods to this tradit ion, highlighting a field that binds people to birds and their habitats across continents.
More than three decades ago, the All-Union Ornithological Society emerged within the USSR Academy of Sciences, marking a formal recognition of bird study as a dedicated scientific pursuit. Since then, February 19 has stood as a professional holiday for those who devote their careers to understanding avifauna, monitoring migrations, and protecting critical habitats.
In Russia, the Ministry of Natural Resources notes that at least 127 bird species are listed in the Red Book, reflecting the ongoing concern for species under threat. Of these, 122 are safeguarded within specially designated natural areas, underscoring a network of protected zones where research and conservation efforts can thrive while birds continue to fulfill their ecological roles in various landscapes, from yurts to tundra, from wetlands to urban parks.
Russia’s bird fauna includes more than 800 distinct species. Ornithologists, scientists who specialize in birds, document, classify, and study this rich diversity. In Russia’s nature reserves, approximately 100 specialists contribute to long-term monitoring, ecological research, and data collection that informs conservation policies and public understanding alike.
Recent discussions from late autumn highlighted the outcomes of a national bird census. This census, like similar efforts in other regions, invites residents and visitors to participate by following a planned route or choosing an observing point with clear visibility to record birds encountered along the way. Data submission is streamlined through a dedicated online form, enabling researchers to build a comprehensive picture of avian abundance and distribution across diverse landscapes. In the latest results, starlings, mallards, and rock pigeons topped the counts with tens of thousands of individuals recorded, illustrating how citizen science can complement professional inventories and provide a baseline for trend analysis in both urban and rural settings.
Across the Atlantic, ornithology in North America shares a parallel spirit. In the United States and Canada, many researchers emphasize routine censuses and long-term monitoring programs that track seasonal migrations, population changes, and the impacts of habitat alteration. Citizen scientists contribute valuable observations from backyards, parks, and protected reserves, helping to map species richness and identify emerging conservation priorities. The collaboration between professional researchers and amateur bird lovers strengthens the overall understanding of avian life and fosters a culture of stewardship for shared natural resources.
Bird study connects well beyond borders, linking fieldwork with broader scientific questions about climate, food webs, and ecosystem resilience. The work of ornithologists—whether measuring migration timing, assessing nesting success, or cataloging new sightings—contributes to global datasets used by researchers, planners, and conservationists. In many regions, including North America and Russia, this body of knowledge supports decisions about land use, protected areas, and community education. It also inspires a sense of wonder about birds and their daily journeys, which in turn motivates people to engage in conservation and wildlife-friendly practices in their own neighborhoods.