"Choose a feathered representative for nature: Introducing the 2026 Bird of the Year"

The small Bavarian town of Hilpoltstein is buzzing with excitement as the election for the Bird of the Year 2026 commences. Organised by the Landesbund für Vogel- und Naturschutz in Bayern e.V. (LBV) and its federal partners NABU, the election aims to raise awareness about central issues in nature conservation.

Five native bird species are vying for the prestigious title: the Blackbird, Pheasant, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, and Little Grebe. Each candidate represents a unique challenge in our relationship with nature.

The Blackbird, with its familiar song, advocates for "Berries instead of Concrete!" to promote natural gardens and urban green spaces. The Little Grebe, though not a competitor, is making its voice heard with the campaign slogan "Dive Instead of Drying Up!", drawing attention to the need to protect wetlands.

The Barn Owl, struggling with a lack of nesting sites due to building renovations, appeals with its slogan "Give Me Your Roof!" for more nesting opportunities in barns and towers. The Barn Owl is also threatened by rodenticides that decimate its food base - mice.

The Tawny Owl, known for its silent hunting, champions "Ears Up, Diversity On!" to emphasise the importance of species-rich habitats. The Pheasant, which was Bird of the Year in 1991, now critically endangered, stands for more sustainable farming with fewer pesticides with its slogan "For Fields Full of Life!".

The Pheasant, which lives on fields and meadows, is also a reminder of the plight of species once common but now facing extinction. The Little Grebe, the smallest native diver, prefers clean, natural waters and is a symbol of the need to protect our waterways.

Voting for the Bird of the Year 2026 is open until October 9, 2025, and can be done online at www.vogeldesjahres.de. Each vote cast is a step towards a more sustainable future for our avian friends and the environment as a whole. Let's make our voices heard for nature!

"Choose a feathered representative for nature: Introducing the 2026 Bird of the Year"