Bonn, 28 July 2007 – Data from the Spring Alive project revealed that four bird spring messengers arrived earlier in Europe in 2007 compared to 2006.

This year’s arrivals of the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), the Common Swift (Apus apus) and the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) were found to be slightly earlier than the phenological norm. This data reflects the relatively mild spring – much warmer and longer than in 2006 and in comparison with previous years. Over 16,000 entries were submitted to the Spring Alive website by children, teachers and birdwatchers from all across Europe.

Spring Alive is a project that is co-sponsored by AEWA and organised by the Polish BirdLife International Partner OTOP (Polish Society for the Protection of Birds) together with its national partners all over Europe. Its core component is an interactive website, which encourages children and families to observe and record the arrival of migratory bird species in spring each year.

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