by InTrieste
On Sunday, May 11, the Miramare Marine Protected Area and the Historical Museum and Park of Miramare Castle will jointly host a two-part celebration in honor of World Migratory Bird Day, offering interactive programming for both children and adults.
The day’s activities, organized through a collaboration between the WWF-managed Marine Biodiversity Center and the Miramare Castle Park, are supported by the Italy-Slovenia Interreg Project “POSEIDONE.” The initiative highlights the incredible journeys of migratory birds that traverse the Gulf of Trieste, with origins as near as Croatia and as far as the Baltic Sea and Central Africa.
For children aged 8 to 12, the Marine Biodiversity Center will debut A Ticket to Fly, a new team-based educational game designed to simulate the challenges and opportunities faced by migratory species. Created by WWF staff as part of the Poseidone project, the game encourages players to explore the obstacles migratory birds encounter—such as environmental threats and dwindling habitats—while navigating their routes to safe havens like Miramare and nearby mussel farms. Featured species include the crested cormorant, Mediterranean gull, and common tern, among others.
Meanwhile, adults and families are invited to take part in a guided nature walk led by WWF experts. The route begins at the BioMa (Marine Biodiversity Center), passes through the “Porta della Bora” and along the tree-lined “Viale dei Lecci,” and culminates at the historic Miramare Castle. Participants will explore representations of birdlife in the castle’s paintings, oriental vases, intricate wood inlays, and fine tapestries. Entry to the castle will be free of charge for the occasion.
This year’s global theme for World Migratory Bird Day, “Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” underscores the importance of urban green spaces, water features, and biodiversity in supporting migratory bird populations. The Miramare park—with its diverse tree species, open lawns, and coastal habitats—offers a fitting example of how historical landscapes can support modern conservation efforts.
How can interactive programs like “A Ticket to Fly” raise awareness about migratory bird challenges and inspire conservation efforts in local communities?