Protected area "Bilo"
Description
Despite the fact that the Lesser Spotted Eagle (LSE) is not listed in the SDF for the SPA, results of a target study held in the frame of LIFE12 NAT/BG/001218 project confirmed that the Lesser Spotted Eagle is regularly present within the site on migration and the area is important stop oversite for the species. Tracking of Estonian Lesser-spotted Eagles also showed that birds pass thearea of SPA on migration.
The birds in the protected area
The SPA Bilo is one of the most important feeding areas for the wintering geese, which roost in the neighboring coastal lakes (Durankulashko and Shablensko). Along with the Greater White-fronted Goose here in significant numbers winters the globally threatened Red-breasted Goose, spending the daylight time during two months of the year (January and February).
Among the numerous flocks of geese are regularly met and the globally threatened Lesser Whitefronted Goose, Whooper Swan and other waterfowl. The site is located on the second largest migration route in Europe – Via Pontica, where twice a year pass waterfowl, raptors and song birds from their nesting places in Eastern Europe to the wintering sites inAfrica.
Threats to the protected area
Human activities
The area is very sensitive to the human activities related to intensive agriculture and forestry. The use of pesticides and chemicalsin the SPA and surrounding arable land has direct negative impact on birds, their food base and foraging habitats for the most of the bird species there, incl. LSE.
Disturbance
Forestry activities in the vicinity of the breeding territories disturb the birds during the breeding season. The poor condition (as structure and species composition) of the forest shelter (protective) belts has a negative impact on the SPA Bilo, as stop-over site and breeding site of the Lesser Spotted Eagle and other birds of prey.
Poaching
The potential threats to the birds within the area are nest robbery and poaching (illegal shooting of raptors and other bird species).