Floating Forts to Save the Birds!

When invasive predators wreaked havoc on birdlife along Poland's Oder River, one man took a novel approach: building artificial islands that act like floating forts. Photo courtesy of  PIOTR CHARA

“IN THE WARM SUN OF a late spring day, a small island bustles with birdlife. There on the Oder, the second largest river in Poland—which also defines part of its border with Germany—the sandy island teems with a variety of gulls, terns, and plovers. The birds feed small fish and insects to their eager chicks, argue with neighbors, mate, and clean their nests, rarely pausing for rest during this busy season of rebirth and renewal. Their behavior is natural, but their home is not. The island’s sharp angles reveal it is the work of humans.” Read More>>>