Ventė Cape Ornithological Station

Ventės rago ornitologinė stotis

This is one of the oldest bird ringing stations in Europe, operating since 1929. It is located at Ventė Cape, a narrow peninsula on the shore of the Curonian Lagoon, near the Nemunas Delta.

This place is one of the most important bird migration routes in the entire region. Every year, millions of birds pass through here, making the station ideal for observation, research, and ringing.

Bird ringing

Every year, between 60,000 and 80,000 birds are ringed at the station, and in some years, when migration is especially intense, about one hundred thousand.

Birds are caught using large stationary traps, mist nets, and other types of traps.

All traps are safe for birds.

Ringing data is used to study various aspects of bird biology and ecology.

Education and museum

At Ventė Cape there is a modern bird migration museum inviting visitors to explore the world of birds, the phenomenon of migration, the history of ringing, and rare and protected species.

Interactive exhibitions, real bird ringing tools, and visual displays are interesting for both children and adults.

Lighthouse

Next to the station stands a historic red brick lighthouse built in 1863.

Although it no longer performs its original function, it is open to visitors.

From the observation platform at the top, there is a view of the Curonian Lagoon and the Nemunas Delta.