Autumn is the time of bird migration, when many species fly short and long distances. Pape is a great place to observe this process and also for research at the Pape Ornithological Research Center of the University of Latvia (UL). It is only natural that the bird exhibition has been created in the territory of the Pape Nature Park, and opened on 28 September, 2025 in the most suitable place – at the Tourism Information Center “Dzintarvēji”.
The concept of the exhibition focuses on the story of birds, combining three main themes: bird diversity and habitat, bird watching, and the history of Pape, with a special focus on the activities of the Pape Ornithological Research Center.
The event was led by Natālija Grauduže, Head of Rucava Tourism Information Center. The poet Ineta Stadgale, who is also writing a book entitled “Portrait with a Raven,” added a lyrical note to the event with readings of her poetry. Ilva Markus-Narvila, the project manager of the BIRDIE, spoke about the project’s overall activities. At the opening event, visitors had the opportunity to ask questions about birds to the ornithologist and Head of the Pape Ornithological Research Center, Oskars Keišs.
The exhibition was created by the design agency H2E, which carried out the entire process – from the design concept, content and development of the technical drawings to the preparation of graphics and text materials, furniture manufacturing and installation of exhibition.
The gratitude was expressed to ornithologists Ruslans Matrozis, Oskars Keišs, Ilmārs Baugs (Latvian Ringing Center), Dmitrijs Boiko (Latvian Museum of Natural History), Arturs Bilerts, Ivo Dinsbergs, Māris Strazds, and Ritvars Rekmanis. Local residents also contributed to the exhibition by bringing bird feathers for the research activity. Various bird nests, eggshells and other materials were also brought.
The exhibition was created as one of the activities of the Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania programme 2021-2027 project No. LL-00022 “Bird-watching network along the Baltic coast” (BIRDIE).
To see the exhibition at the Pape Tourism Information Center “Dzintarvēji” must be booked at least one day in advance by calling via +371 29134903 (Rucava TIC).
Photo: Anna Vītola
