Preface
Birds are fascinating creatures. Our feathered neighbours are sources of delight and admiration to us as we listen to birdsong in spring, watch their acrobatic feats of flight, or ponder the extraordinary performance of migrant birds. But the coexistence of humans and birds is not always easy. Knowledge of their distribution is the foundation for measures and provides guidance on how to protect them.
Dear reader
In 2013–2016, twenty years after the last atlas, the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach again surveyed the populations and distribution of all breeding bird species throughout the country. Thanks to the dedication of more than 2000 volunteer collaborators, a wealth of data was collected that describes the state of our native birdlife in detail.
Comparing the new results with the 1993–1996 breeding bird atlas allows for a com-prehensive description of changes in bird communities over the past 20 years. Birds are a reliable measure of the quality of the environment, especially the state of land-scapes and habitats. They are important indicators that respond with sensitivity to both natural environmental changes and those caused by humans, allowing us to recognise and analyse positive and negative developments and use this knowledge to design conservation measures.
For example, detailed information on bird distribution reveals gaps in our country's ecological infrastructure, showing us where improvements are necessary and where urgent action is needed. But it also highlights the success of the conservation efforts for Bearded Vulture and Middle Spotted Woodpecker, among others. The results are a challenge and an invitation for us to create an environment that accommodates the needs of breeding birds and other wildlife.
Based on the collected data, the new breeding bird atlas focusses on several im-portant topics: «Agriculture has a responsibility for bird conservation», for example, discusses the current trends, shortcomings and measures regarding the conservation of birds in farmland habitats. «Switzerland needs large wetlands with plenty of water» draws our attention to the challenges posed by the disappearance of wetland habitats. And «Problematic coexistence – sharing our buildings with birds» illustrates how close birds are to our own living spaces and highlights the important role that settlements play in the promotion of biodiversity. These fields of action are of great significance and are increasingly being addressed by the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN in the context of the Swiss Biodiversity Strategy.
For many people, birdwatching is probably the most common and most intense form of contact with wildlife. Many of us take pleasure in the return of the swallows in spring or in early-morning birdsong. It is our duty to preserve these experiences for future generations. Bird communities and biodiversity in general deserve our atten-tion and support, because they contribute to our quality of life and are part of Switzerland's rich natural heritage.
Marc Chardonnens
Director of the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
Informationen Corona-Virus
Gemäss den Corona-Regelungen des Bundes bleibt das Besuchszentrum bis am 28. Februar 2021 geschlossen.
Unsere Vogelpflegestation funktioniert wie gewohnt weiter. Vögel nehmen wir täglich (Montag-Sonntag) von 09.00-12.00 und von 13.30-17.00 Uhr entgegen.
Aufgrund der verschärften Corona-Massnahmen sind unsere Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter grösstenteils im Home Office. Bitte haben Sie Verständnis, wenn wir momentan nicht alle Anfragen sofort bearbeiten können.
Wir sind Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie uns primär per Mail kontaktieren, ausser in Notfällen.
Herzlichen Dank für Ihr Verständnis.
Ihre Schweizerische Vogelwarte Sempach
Informations sur le coronavirus
Selon les mesures de la Confédération contre le coronavirus, le centre de visite sera fermé jusqu’au 28 février 2021.
Notre station de soins fonctionne normalement. Nous réceptionnons les oiseaux tous les jours (lundi-dimanche) de 09.00 à 12.00 et de 13.30 à 17.00.
En raison des mesures Covid plus strictes, la plupart de nos employés télétravaillent depuis leur domicile. Nous ne sommes actuellement pas en mesure de traiter toutes les demandes immédiatement. Nous vous serions reconnaissants de bien vouloir nous contacter principalement par courrier électronique, sauf en cas d'urgence.
Nous vous remercions de votre compréhension.
Votre Station ornithologique suisse de Sempach
Informazioni coronavirus
In conformità alle misure della Confederazione contro il coronavirus, il Centro visite è chiuso fino al 28 febbraio 2021.
Il nostro Centro di cura per uccelli continua a funzionare normalmente. Gli uccelli vengono presi in consegna giornalmente (lunedì-domenica) dalle 09.00 alle 12.00 e dalle 13.30 alle 17.00.
A causa delle misure più severe di Corona, la maggior parte dei nostri dipendenti si trova nei loro uffici di casa. Vi preghiamo di comprendere che non possiamo elaborare tutte le richieste di informazioni immediatamente. Vi saremmo grati se poteste contattarci principalmente via e-mail. In caso di emergenza, tuttavia, siamo naturalmente a vostra disposizione. Grazie per la vostra comprensione.
La vostra Stazione ornitologica svizzera
Informations concerning the coronavirus
Due to the measures taken by the Swiss government against the coronavirus, the visitor centre will be closed until February 28th 2021.
Our bird care station continues to operate as usual. We accept birds daily (Monday-Sunday) from 09.00-12.00 and from 13.30-17.00.
Due to the stricter Corona measures, most of our employees are in their home offices. Please understand that we cannot process all inquiries immediately. We would be grateful if you could contact us primarily by e-mail. In case of emergency we are of course available for you.
Thank you for your understanding.
Your Swiss Ornithological Institute