Bird farewell weekend "Paukščių palydos 2026" takes place across Lithuania

On 3-4 October, "Paukščių palydos 2026" takes place across Lithuania. It is part of the international EuroBirdwatch initiative, during which thousands of nature lovers watch birds leaving for warmer regions.

The autumn migration is one of the most impressive natural phenomena. Anyone can take part, regardless of age or experience. You do not need to be a professional ornithologist or to know every bird species. Curiosity and a wish to spend time in nature are enough.

Early in the morning of 3 October, the Curonian Spit National Park administration invites participants to meet on the legendary Parnidis Dune in Nida, where migrating birds flying over the spit can be seen against impressive autumn landscapes. On the same day, in Biržai Regional Park, birds migrating over Lake Širvėna will be observed together with naturalist Nerijus Žitkevičius, and in Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve participants will watch birds with ornithologist Arūnas Pranaitis and listen to a lecture on owls by Dr. Gintarė Grašytė. The Dubysa Regional Park group invites people to the Raseiniai fishery ponds in Gabšiai village, and in Kurtuvėnai Regional Park bird lovers will walk around the Damba, Sodeliukai and other ponds.

On 4 October, nature lovers are invited to Kamanos State Strict Nature Reserve: bring binoculars, comfortable footwear and a good mood. On the same day, bird watching will take place in Aukštadvaris Regional Park, where participants can get to know autumn migration species, and at the Samylai recreation site in Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park participants will watch birds migrating along the shores and over the water.

This autumn weekend can be a great opportunity to get to know birds and to see off Lithuania's birds as they leave on their long journey.

More information is available here (in Lithuanian).

Photo: Julia Craice / Unsplash