Corncrakes have returned to Dviete floodplain

During the joint-work event on May 15, the first Corncrake of this year was heard in Dviete floodplain. Corncrakes fly back to Latvia from their wintering grounds in Africa (to the south of Sahara) comparatively late in the season – during the first half of May. According to the website www.dabasdati.lv, the first Corncrake in Latvia this spring was observed in Svēte floodplain on May 7.

After flood waters recede, Corncrakes will start to occupy their breeding territories in Dviete floodplain, still partly being under the water now.

Dviete floodplain nature park is one of the most important breeding sites for the Corncrake in Latvia and in Europe. Corncrake is a target species of the LIFE+ project DVIETE. By creating favorable conditions for it’s breeding, also other protected meadow bird and plant species will benefit.

Ilze Priedniece

17.05.2013.