The goosander (Mergus merganser) is a protected bird species which in Warsaw can be found practically only in Łazienki Park. Right after hatching out, chicks follow their mothers and head towards Vistula River. Although the whole path is not very long, it does include a very difficult obstacle for the birds to surmount - the busy Czerniakowska Street. This year's first brave goosander mother successfully lead her offspring across the road. As every year, city services helped the birds migrate safely.
The goosander is a medium-sized duck and a member of a group called the "sawbills" because of their long, narrow bills with saw-like "teeth" which are good for gripping fish. A long, streamlined bird, it is perfectly shaped for swimming after fish. Goosanders are gregarious birds, forming flocks of thousands in some parts of Europe.
The annual migration of goosander families towards the Vistula has just begun. For many years now, community workers, social activists and Warsaw residents have been watching these fine birds travel from the Royal Łazienki Park to the Vistula.
The journey is hard and full of dangers. Since last year, the responsibility to facilitate the migration of goosanders belongs to Warsaw's Greenery Authority.
The Warsaw Greenery Authority spokesperson, Karolina Kwiecień-Łukaszewska, said the birds have to cross Piaseczyński Canal, Myśliwiecka and Czerniakowska streets. "Since early April, as every year, the greenery authority workers as well as city services and residents have come together to help female goosanders and their offspring," she added.
"The first such journey is already behind us. Last Sunday we've secured the migration of a mother and 14 little goosander chicks. Each year we try to improve our mission to support these birds in crossing the Wisłostrada (one of Warsaw's main transit routes that stretches along the left bank of Vistula River; Czerniakowska Street is one of Wisłostrada's longest sections - edit.). We are keeping track of the situation. We've scheduled shifts for the volunteer workers, who have been trained in traffic direction, among other things," the spokesperson said.
The volunteers have been tasked with monitoring the ponds in Łazienki Park and Piaseczyński Canal as well as notifying relevant services. If the need be, they are also responsible for stopping the traffic and safely escorting goosanders across the street.
Karolina Kwiecień-Łukaszewska has urged city residents to keep vigilant. "We ask drivers and cyclists to drive safely, and pedestrians to keep safe distance so as to not scare migrating birds. We also ask dog owners to keep their pets on a leash," she added.
"If anyone of you comes across goosanders attempting to cross, we ask you not to approach them as these birds scare quite easily. In such cases it's best to notify the City Guard, which will take over from there," the spokesperson informed.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Ula Frydrych/Kanał Piaseczyński - ostoja ptaków