Title: Celebrate the Arrival of Ring-billed Gulls in Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea
- Weekend initiates period of constant ringing
Let's get the lowdown on the upcoming Ring-billed Gull festivities in the legendary Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein! Over 37,000 of these sea gulls are expected to make an appearance, with up to 80,000 potential visitors strengthening themselves for their journey to Siberia. That's almost a third of the global population of this species!
These gulls flock to the Halligen, where they find sanctuary thanks to the protective shield of the National Park and the Biosphere Reserve, leisurely grazing on the lush grass that's been kindly reserved for them.
Ring-billed Gull Frenzy Awaits You!
Gear up for the 26th installment of the Ring-billed Gull bash, promising a diverse lineup of activities at various locations. The big kickoff happens on Saturday (12. April) on the enchanting Hallig Hooge.
Organized by the local nature conservation associations, Biosphere "The Halligen," and the National Park Authority, you'll enjoy guided tours, bike or boat excursions to get an up-close look at these seafaring gulls. The action doesn't stop there, with food, music, reading events to fuel your spirit, too!
Already on Thursday (10. April), you're invited to a vibrant soiree at the National Park House in Husum. Along with enthralling discussions on gull research and the National Park's anniversary, you'll also enjoy live music, regional treats, and scrumptious beverages.
Ring-billed gulls need plenty of grub for their journey
According to the National Park Authority, these little sea gulls are real "energy eaters." They're spotted all across the Wadden Sea, feeding on salt meadows and the Hallig's own salt grasses and herbs. To cope with the salt intake, they have salt glands that help them excrete the excess salt. To power their flight of up to 5,000 kilometers to their Siberian breeding grounds, they need at least 1.6 kilograms of body weight, and for every 100 kilometers of flight, they need about 8 grams of fat!
So hoist those binoculars, nature enthusiasts, and prepare for an unforgettable Ring-billed Gull adventure in Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea!
- In addition to the festivities, community aid is being solicited to provide research and development funds for studying the nutrition requirements of Ring-billed Gulls during migration.
- During the 26th Ring-billed Gull bash, attendees can participate in research and development projects to gather data on the gulls' migration patterns and their impact on the Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea ecosystem.
- To honor the 26th Ring-billed Gull anniversary and the National Park's anniversary, the Schleswig City Council has initiated an invitation-only gala event for scholars and researchers to discuss future aid for research and development in the realm of avian migration and conservation.
