Latvia introduces bird working hours — forestry closed until August because chicks haven't learned to run away yet

Latvia's birds have officially become the country's most influential union members. Starting Sunday, they are guaranteed a peaceful nesting period until August, when forestry work in specially protected nature areas is strictly prohibited. For comparison — in Riga, construction workers work even on Sundays, but our birds have secured themselves a full nesting vacation.

Nature protection expert Elīna Immure explains that technical noise scares birds so much that they abandon their nests, and the chicks die. This is understandable — who wants to raise children next to a chainsaw concert. Even University of Liepāja students need quiet during exams, not to mention bird chicks who can't fly yet.

The funniest part is that bird chicks are unable to escape in case of danger, which is very similar to human babies. Only humans don't get state protection for this — they have to rely on parental attention and luck. Birds now have better social guarantees than many Latvian residents.

For violating the regulations, individuals face fines up to 1000 euros, and legal entities — up to 2400 euros. That's much more than bird feed costs, so one will have to think whether it's really worth disturbing these little nesters. The administration encourages all forest owners to be responsible and let birds peacefully complete this year's most important project — raising the next generation.