World Wetlands Day, 2025. A day of solidarity and big surprises!

What a perfect morning for World Wetlands Day! The marsh was bathed in gentle sunlight and dew droplets sparkled in the grass. After a wet and windy week, nature put on a bright, colourful show and gave our visitors a glimpse of spring.

Our bird banding demonstration was the first activity and it began with an explanation of why birds are ringed and how this method helps to protect wetland hábitats. In this demonstration everyone enjoyed seeing species such as the nuthatch, dunnock, chaffinch, blackbird and great tit.

At 10.30, with the mist still hanging over the mountains, our guide gathered the participants for the wetland walk. After a brief introduction in the center, they set off on the route. Despite the rainfall of the previous week, they were able to enjoy the hike and get to know the habitat better.

Little did these hikers know, that they were walking right next to  the most elusive birds that inhabits the wetland. As the center began to fill up we were told by a visitor, Kold Niembro, that he had seen the great bittern from the Orueta observatory. This is the first time the bird has been sighted this winter so many thanks to Koldo! Seeing the great bittern was a great reminder of the importance of these natural spaces.

Muxar the wintering osprey was also present at the event. He could be watched on our live cam at his favourite spot in Kanala, further out in the Urdaibai Estuary. 

Two other old frinds also flew in for the occassion. The swan pair returned after a brief absence and they are cleary getting ready for spring. They can be seen performing their courtship dance, curving their necks in unison and dipping their bills into the wáter.

What could be more uplifting than the sights and sounds of the wetland brimming with life on a sparkling morning. The pintails, widgeons and teal will be leaving soon so World Wetlands Day is a great chance to see them before they depart.

Soon northbound migration will begin and the Urdaibai wetlands will once again offer shelter to thousands of migratory birdss.

This natural space is part of a chain of habitas without which migration would be imposible. 

On World Wetlands Day we gathered in defense of these essential natural spaces. It was an event of  solidarity and big surprises.

Thanks to everyone who joined us!