On Saturday, 19 July 2025, the ponds in Uzovsky Šalgov became the place of a unique meeting. A public event „Goodbye little swallows“, organised by the civic association SOS/BirdLife Slovakia, brought together nature, education and community in one evening of emotion and curiosity.
The event started in the early evening at 7.30 p.m., when families with children, naturalists, bird lovers and casual visitors began to gather on the banks of the ponds. Their common interest was to say goodbye to Swallows, that gather at roosts at this time before their long flight to Africa.
The main programme of the evening was trapping and ringing of swallows, which experts from SOS/BirdLife Slovakia implemented on site. Visitors had a unique opportunity to see these popular birds up close, learn about their life cycle, migration routes, threats and the importance of their conservation. In addition to swallows, it was also possible to observe thousands of starlings, shores and other species that regularly occur in this locality.
The whole programme was accompanied by a well-known ornithologist Miro Fulín, who captivated young and old alike with his engaging narrative. The children were fascinated by the opportunity to observe the birds up close, ask questions and even hold a small swallow in their hands before releasing it back into the wild. Expertise was combined here with personal experience - and it's a combination that leaves a mark.
The atmosphere was completed by the environment of the ponds themselves - quiet, peaceful, surrounded by greenery and birds singing in the evening. The organizers warned the participants to bring with them lanterns and suitable clothing for the field, as the programme was held until dusk. Everything took place in a friendly atmosphere, the event was held without entrance fee and it was open to the general public. Although the title of the event carried a farewell - „Goodbye Swallows“ - the mood among the participants was full of enthusiasm and gratitude for a beautiful evening. Many agreed that they could imagine similar events more often.
photo source: Life in Sabinov
