The Swiss Ornithological Station in Sempach celebrated its centennial in June 2024, marking a century of bird study and conservation. Located in the canton of Lucerne, the station plays a crucial role in bird conservation in Switzerland.
Since its founding by Alfred Schifferli, the station has evolved into a world-renowned institution, involving more than 150 scientists and 70 students. It is dedicated to research, public education, and the protection of natural bird habitats.
Bird census methods have evolved considerably, from simple observations with binoculars to today’s cutting-edge technologies. Research includes the study of white-bellied swifts and the impact of climate change on these birds, as well as the evolutionary adaptations of the barn owl. The station’s care center also treats injured birds, assessing the impact of environmental pollution on their health.
With Chloé Pang, Communications Manager; Sylvain Antoniazza, Head of Swiss Bird Monitoring; Pierre Bize, Head of Anthropogenic Influences at the Swiss Ornithological Station; Alexandre Roulin, barn owl specialist at the University of Lausanne (UNIL); and Juliette Kuhn, veterinary medicine assistant.