Practical conservation in Kretuonas Lake main island
19-08-2019
A success story of Kretuonas Lake main island is widely known in Lithuania. The island was overgrown with trees and scrubs and with joint efforts of Lithuanian ornithological society (LOD), Administration of Aukštaitija National Park and numerous volunteers, the site was brought to life. Hundreds of birds came back to the island and now it’s full of life. The main island of Kretuonas Lake is an important breeding site for Common Tern, therefore it is included into LIFE TERNS project. In 2019 according to the observation data of the LOD member Gintaras Varnas 215 pairs of Common Tern were observed on the site. It must be admitted, that the island is of extreme importance for other bird species: the list of breeding species is impressive: 20 pairs of Northern Lapwing, 6-7 pairs of Black-tailed Godwit, 10-12 pairs of Common Redshank, 1 pair of Ruff, 80 pairs of Mallard, 54 pairs of Gadwall, 40 pairs of Common Pochard, 2 pairs of Northern Shoveler, 5 pairs of Tufted Duck, 1 pair of Northern Pintail, 6850 (!) pairs of Black-headed Gull, 126 pairs of Mew Gull. According to the agreement with the LOD, since 2014 Administration of Aukštaitija National and Labanoras Regional Parks annually mowing grass in the 23 ha, therefore it’s very suitable for breeding of numerous bird species.
Photos by Vytas Jankevičius
