From October 9 to October 15, the first youth ornithological scientific camp of the Russian Geographical Society “Swan and Eagle” was held in the Astrakhan region. The project's participants were young scientists from networks of protected areas of the Russian Federation, as well as activists and leaders of youth clubs of the Russian Geographical Society, who are interested in ornithology. A student of the Faculty of Geography, Geoecology, and Tourism of Voronezh State University, as well as a member of the Youth Club of the Voronezh Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, Maxim Shishkin, took part in the scientific camp.
The organisers of the event placed the main emphasis on the exchange of experience in ornithological research. The camp was based in the central cordon of the Damchiksky section of the Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve. Camp participants, together with professional ornithologists from the reserve, conducted bird counts on three water courses.
Employees of the protected area organised excursions around the central cordon, introduced participants to the nature of the Volga Delta and talked about scientific research in the reserve and beyond. After the lectures, the possibilities and prospects for using GIS, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to determine the number and species of birds were discussed.
“The event was held at the highest level, we were provided with a rich research program and comfortable living conditions. Every new day was fraught with intrigue, full of events and positive emotions. Thanks to the science camp, I had the opportunity to come into contact with the work of ornithologists and learned from the experience of specialists and novice scientists. The most important thing was that this camp brought together bird lovers from different regions of the country. I met very interesting, active, and enthusiastic people who are passionate about nature and the desire to discover new wonders in it. From the very first days we became a real team. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the camp organisers and each participant! I am sure that such events can take scientific activity in the country to a new level,” shared Maxim Shishkin.
Photo: Youth club of the Russian Geographical Society (Voronezh branch)
