The Spring Alive project is a simple birdwatching survey, implemented by BirdLife Partners across the European continent since 2006. In Armenia the project was started in 2009 by the Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds. Thanks to children and adults all over Europe we are able to track the spring arrival every year.

The annual Spring Alive campaign starts on February 1 and runs through the end of spring. It invites children of all ages, their parents and teachers to enjoy the return of some of the most fascinating migratory birds to Europe. Through the observations, scientists hope to see whether bird species arrive earlier in Europe than previously, thus indicating an increase in temperature.

Five common bird species the Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, the Common Swift Apus apus, the Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, the White Stork Ciconia ciconia and the European Bee-eater Merops apiaster were chosen as spring messengers for the Spring Alive Project. Through the Spring Alive website, children from all over Europe are asked to communicate their first sightings of these species.

Taking part in ‘Spring Alive!’ campaign is very easy. First, get to know these four species – the cuckoo, the swift, the swallow and stork. Then go outside and look for these birds, and when you see any of them, register your sightings online. Have you seen a swallow yet, a swift or a stork? Or have you heard the first cuckoo call of the Spring? Let everyone know that spring arrived in Armenia!

All you need to do is to visit the Spring Alive website at www.springalive.net and submit your first sightings of the birds online. You can do your Spring Alive observations in your neighborhood, your school or on a Sunday walk. And remember that you need to register only your FIRST observation of the birds!