On Sunday, May 4th, the WILDisland team proudly participated in the annual Family Fest at Donau-Auen National Park. This year’s event, held under the theme"All Ears on the Floodplains", invited visitors to explore the rich and often overlooked world of natural sounds—ranging from birds and amphibians to plants and fish. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and AI-supported research, sounds once imperceptible to the human ear are now being uncovered, offering new insights into how life in the floodplain communicates.
The WILDisland team was stationed at the bird information station, highlighting how birdlife is often the first to reclaim newly restored WILDislands and dynamic river habitats. Guests were invited to hear the "song" of White-tailed Eagles or search for hidden Common Ringed Plover eggs and learn how birds signal danger through warning calls and behavior—a fascinating glimpse into life on revitalized sand and gravel banks. Our team also engaged visitors in discussions on the importance of river restoration, free-flowing waters, and the ecological and social benefits these bring.
Despite intermittent rain forcing most stations indoors into the historic castle grounds, the festival welcomed around 500 enthusiastic guests. Families enjoyed interactive activities including a knowledge quiz, live ranger shows, the popular Floodplain Theater, and a variety of engaging exhibits.
Stay connected with our partner organizations and join us at future WILDisland awareness events to learn more about floodplain ecology, conservation, and how you can get involved!
