Nature Without Borders: How the KSM Ruda Sites Became a Bird Paradise
Can seemingly “empty” post-mining areas come to life and become a refuge for rare bird species? Yes! And we have the proof – just look at our new (and demanding) tenants. Birds know no borders. Neither should we, when creating spaces for them to thrive. Thanks to our efforts, this place has become a home for birds that, until recently, were only occasional visitors. Today, they are the hosts. All of this is the result of the “Nature Without Borders” project.
The Little Ringed Plover – a Master of Camouflage on Gravel
The Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) is a small wader whose sandy-brown plumage perfectly camouflages it against gravel shores. It chooses open, sunlit surfaces with loose substrate – ideal for building simple nests in which the eggs are nearly invisible.
Our actions: We created two gravel patches and maintain small water reservoirs in a semi-natural state, providing the plover with excellent feeding grounds and breeding sites.
Impact on nature: This species can safely reproduce and forage for invertebrates, supporting ecological balance in our post-industrial habitats.
Why it matters: The Little Ringed Plover is highly dependent on niche habitats that are disappearing from the landscape. Our efforts not only protect the existing population but also create new breeding sites, which may contribute to the regional recovery of the species.
The Starling – Clever, Social, Underrated
The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an intelligent and highly social bird, capable of mimicking the calls of other birds and even mechanical sounds. It plays an important role in the ecosystem – consuming vast amounts of insects and dispersing seeds.
Our actions: As part of a previous project, we installed type B and D nest boxes (originally intended for hoopoes), which are now fully occupied by starlings.
Impact on nature: A single pair of starlings can consume hundreds of insects per day during the breeding season, protecting vegetation from pests. This year, we counted about 500 individuals feeding in a mown meadow – proof that diverse habitats attract entire flocks.
Why it matters: Despite their ecological importance, starlings are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Thanks to our nest boxes, their population is increasing, while also strengthening the natural protection of vegetation against pests – with benefits cascading throughout the food chain.
The Great Grey Shrike – a Vigilant Hunter in Thorny Hideouts
The Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) hunts from so-called perches – typically between 1 and 15 metres above the ground, most often within the 2–5 metre range. Every few minutes it changes vantage points. Its prey (insects, small rodents, lizards) is impaled on branch stumps, twigs, protruding bark, blackthorn thorns, or even wire fences.
Our actions: We plant blackthorn and hawthorn and leave willow pollards in the landscape, which shrikes use as vantage points and storage sites for prey.
Impact on nature: This species regulates populations of small vertebrates and insects, supporting the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Why it matters: The Great Grey Shrike is an indicator species – its presence signals a healthy environment. Our plantings of blackthorn and hawthorn not only meet its needs but also restore elements of semi-natural landscapes, valuable for many other species.
Practical Outcomes – How Our Actions Are Changing the Landscape
- Gravel patches and small ponds → attract the Little Ringed Plover, which finds ideal conditions here for breeding and feeding.
- Type B and D nest boxes → support starlings, which act as natural “guardians” of vegetation against pests.
- Blackthorn and hawthorn plantings → provide habitat and hunting grounds for the Great Grey Shrike, a key bird in the ecosystem.
These birds are indicators of a healthy ecosystem and a measure of the success of our actions.
Our project proves that nature does not need perfect conditions – it only needs a chance. We gave it that chance, and the birds responded with their presence, their song, and a new generation. “Nature Without Borders” is more than a slogan – it is the reality we are creating together.
