This initiative is part of an approach that gswb is pursuing at several of its sites: where existing breeding sites are removed during refurbishment works, new nesting opportunities are to be created. Housing estates that offer suitable conditions are also being considered for this purpose. In this way, species conservation is given a permanent place within the residential environment.
Small niches, great significance
The initiative for the nesting boxes on Parscher Straße came from Barbara Aichner of the Ornithological Working Group at the Haus der Natur. She has been studying native birds for many years and is familiar with the difficulties house sparrows face when looking for a place to live. Renovation work, in particular, results in the loss of niches and hiding places that previously served as breeding sites.
Her proposal was warmly received by the gswb. At the end of September, the four double nesting boxes were fitted to the building by staff from RHZ, under the supervision of renovation technician Merdan Dogan. The installation thus creates new opportunities for birds that are a familiar sight in our neighbourhoods.
Crafted with skill and social value
The boxes were made in the Lebenshilfe Salzburg workshop in Tamsweg. The initiative thus combines the protection of native wildlife with the work of a social welfare organisation.
Paul Gfrerer and Gerhard Malsky, who had helped make the nesting boxes, were also present during the installation. Together with workshop manager Harald Pagitsch, they were able to see for themselves where the finished boxes were being fitted and where they would serve their purpose in future.
Sociable neighbours looking for a home
The fact that several nesting sites are provided side by side suits the needs of the sparrows. House sparrows like to breed in colonies and remain loyal to their location, explains Barbara Aichner. Green spaces and hedges in the surrounding area make a site particularly attractive to them.
This #brilliant initiative demonstrates how building renovation and species conservation can be combined.
