A flock of 85 young greater flamingos has arrived at the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park in the Odessa region. The birds made a long journey from Turkey, leaving Lake Tuz, where a record number of chicks hatched this season. The appearance of the rare guests in the protected area was recorded in mid-October 2026.
Origin of the Birds and Migration Details
According to Ivan Rusev, head of the research department at the national park, the young flock numbers exactly 85 individuals. The birds' journey began at Lake Tuz in Turkey, where about 12,800 flamingo chicks hatched in 2026, setting a five-year record. The first chicks hatched in early June, and by late August, the fledglings took to the wing and began preparing for their autumn migration.
Experts suggest that adult guides who had previously visited the Tuzly Lagoons helped the young birds reach the Ukrainian coast. The birds remember this location as a safe area for resting and foraging. At the same time, scientists note that due to their young age, the arriving individuals do not yet fully realize the threats associated with the frontline situation in the region.
Impact of Hostilities on the Population
The full-scale war waged by Russia against Ukraine significantly complicates the lives of wild animals and birds in the coastal zone. Due to constant noise, missile debris, air defense operations, and drones, greater flamingos have been unable to successfully breed in the national park over the past few years. An exception was 2023, when about 200 chicks were successfully raised in the lagoons.
Ecologists emphasize that hostilities destroy ecosystems, force birds to change established routes, and subject them to colossal stress. Nevertheless, a successful breeding season in Turkey allowed some of the young birds to travel hundreds of kilometers and reach the Ukrainian lagoons, where they found temporary shelter.
Nesting Conditions and Forage Base
Abundant rainfall this year contributed to the success of the flamingo population at Lake Tuz in Turkey. It helped maintain the necessary water levels in the reservoirs and provided the birds with sufficient food, particularly Artemia salina brine shrimp, which form the basis of their diet. Having a nutrient-rich environment is critical for gaining strength before flights.
Conservation measures aimed at preserving wetlands continue in the Tuzly Lagoons National Park. Experts are doing everything possible to minimize disturbance factors in the protected zones to provide migratory birds with safe conditions for rest and recovery during the migration period.
Significance of the Event for the Region
The appearance of a large flock of young greater flamingos in the Odessa region in October 2026 became a landmark event for Ukrainian ornithology. Despite the severe environmental consequences of the war and constant risks to the nature of the Black Sea coast, protected areas continue to play a key role in cross-border bird migration. The future of the birds largely depends on stabilizing the security situation and preserving the food supply of the lagoons.
