The Aras River is a vital stopover where migratory birds catch their breath on intercontinental journeys. We run one of Turkiye's two longest-running banding studies here (Aras Bird Research and Education Center), turning birds' stories into scientific data. Since 2006, we have mist-netted over 195,000 birds (206 species) and recorded 313 species in total. But we need help to stay open. Your donation directly funds the fieldwork and volunteers to keep this critical station operational.
The bird banding station operates 200 days a year to monitor migration, but this comes with high costs: food for the 5-7 person team, replacement of mist nets, equipment maintenance, transport and consultancy for the licensed bander, satellite transmitters, and administrative expenses. Volunteers are invaluable, but financial support is essential to keep the station open and migration data uninterrupted.
Your donations help keep the station open, support the field team for the full season, replace nets, purchase satellite transmitters, and maintain equipment. Each day starts at dawn with net checks, followed by the licensed bander's careful recording of every bird. None of this is possible without your support.
Your support sustains the only bird banding station in eastern Turkiye, ensuring our advocacy remains grounded in scientific evidence. You are not just funding a station; you are safeguarding a continuous 20-year dataset and enabling nature education for hundreds of students. This project ensures that thousands of birds' journeys are recorded and that conservation efforts at Aras will continue for generations to come. Please make a donation today.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
