During the 42nd midwinter count of water birds in Bulgaria, five times less birds were observed in comparison to previous years. According to data from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) most numerous this year, as well as during most winter seasons are the Aythya ferina, the Fulica atra and the Anas platyrhynchos birds.

Among the interesting species observed are the Pelecanus crispus; the Haliaeetus, which cannot be seen in Western Europe, the Aquila clanga; the Cygnus columbianus; the Phalacrocorax aristotelis; the Podicipedidae and others. In contrast to other years, in almost all small dams, usually frozen in January, there are watering birds that can be seen thanks to positive temperatures this year.

According to experts, research on the condition of wintering birds is particularly important in the context of climate change. The results can be interpreted as an indicator of changes in the environment and once again emphasize on the role of birds as an important indicator of the state of the environment in which we live. During the 42nd count, experts and volunteers managed to visite and collect data on wintering birds in over 2000 wetlands in Bulgaria.