Volunteer Event "A Day at the Park" 2022 at Itatiaia National Park RJ

Volunteers: Jorge Lucas Moreira and Karoline D. Zamluti Itatiaia, July 24, 2022

To celebrate the National event "A Day in the Park," Birds Atlantic, in partnership with Itatiaia National Park, developed a morning of connection with nature through birdwatching and photography, open to the public, with a limit of 20 participants exempt from entrance and parking fees. Led by volunteers Karoline Zamluti and Jorge Lucas Moreira.

The "A Day in the Park" project is celebrated annually and has as its main objective to bring people closer to nature so that they value its benefits and the need to conserve it. That is, it aims to value natural heritage through a contemplative gaze, combined with the desire to preserve it. This year of 2022 has the motto "Back Home."

ACTIVITY COMPLETED

On July 24th, 2022, the birdwatching activity took place in Itatiaia National Park, with the aim of observing birds and other animals in natural environments in the lower part of the PNI, using binoculars, cameras, cell phones, or also by viewing and identifying different species. There were 5 hours of activities for the 9 registered participants present. Led by volunteers Jorge Lucas Moreira and Karoline Zamluti.

On the morning of the 24th, the meeting point was at the visitor center, where we started the shared breakfast around 7:30 am. At that time, the participants introduced themselves and were informed about what the 'A Day in the Park' event is.

After breakfast, we visited the exhibition ‘Winged Beings of Agulhas Negras’ which features photographs of the region’s birds and butterflies.

Shortly after, we headed to the "Trilha das Borboletas" (Butterfly Trail), a place known for harboring various species of forest birds.

On this trail, it was possible to see the following species: Green-headed Tanager, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Golden-crowned Warbler, White-barred Piculet, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Yellow-legged Thrush, Red-rumped Cacique, and other bird species. In addition to the birds, Black-capped Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) were also present in a troop.

Black-capped Capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) — Black-capped Capuchin monkey (*Sapajus nigritus*)

To conclude the activity, we visited the Hotel Ypê, located near the Maromba complex within the park. At the hotel, we went to the area near the restaurant where the bird and hummingbird feeder is located. It was there that the participants were thrilled by the proximity and interaction with the birds. See the images below!

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

The realization of this event brought a very positive experience, as 9 participants, most of whom were beginners in birdwatching, connected with nature through the birds. It is worth noting that this event also encouraged people who were unfamiliar with the park, and others who hadn't visited it for many years, to participate in this experience.

The information shared contributed to building knowledge about the importance of conservation units and all the benefits they bring us, such as joy, peace, and relaxation. It also highlighted the importance of interacting with animals harmoniously, without negatively interfering with their daily lives. These are fundamental topics that go hand in hand with sustainable ecotourism.