On October 2, 2025, children in Nin turned World Birdwatch Day into a playful outdoor classroom, combining curiosity with experiential learning in the fields of Solana Nin. As part of the 16th edition of the event, jointly organized by the Tourist Board of the City of Nin, Solana Nin, Natura Jadera – the public institution for the management of protected nature areas in Zadar County – and the Petar Zoranić Nin Elementary School, the youngest participants, along with their teachers, observed and recorded bird species, while learning about the delicate balance of the Nin Lagoon's wetlands and the principles of sustainable tourism.
A school lesson that smells of salt: how the "field laboratory" in Nin was created
The fields of Solana Nin, surrounded by shallow pools and traditional dry-stone walls, became a "field laboratory" that Thursday, where 2nd and 3rd-grade students, guided by their teachers and natural heritage experts, learned to distinguish species by their plumage, flight, and calls. Although the children's enthusiasm was the main driver of the event, the program was clearly structured: a short workshop on safe and ethical birdwatching, an introduction to identifying the most common species of the Nin Lagoon, practical observation with binoculars, and guided walks along the edges of the salt fields.
Through association games and simple "field cards" on which the children marked observed species and their behaviors, they learned how the wing of the wind works over the lagoon, why the rhythm of tides is important, and how salt marsh plants – from halophytes to reeds – provide shelter for birds. One part of the group was tasked with a "silent walk" to avoid disturbing nesting and feeding communities, and emphasis was also placed on waste: each child received a small cloth bag for any accidentally found pieces of plastic.
The Nin Lagoon and Solana Nin: a living atlas of birds
The Nin Lagoon and the ornithological area of the salt pans are among the most valuable bird-rich habitats on the Croatian coast. Throughout the year, an exceptional diversity is recorded here – from nesting birds, to those that only rest here on their migratory path, to wintering birds. During the autumn and spring migrations, the lagoon becomes a busy hub in the sky, so it is not unusual to count dozens of species in a single morning sharing the same area of water, mud, and sand.
Field observations brought concepts like "wet meadow," "shallow lagoon," and "salt pans" as typical habitats closer to the children. With expert guidance, the little observers learned what it means when a bird "camouflages" itself, why young birds should be left alone, and how to distinguish feeding behavior from courtship rituals. Such an approach fosters empathy for the living world, as well as scientific curiosity – children understand that they too are part of a larger ecosystem that needs attention and protection.
Why the date is important: a local program in the rhythm of the European "bird weekend"
This year's observance in Nin was held on October 2, 2025, just two days before the major European bird migration watch weekend, which traditionally takes place on the first weekend of October. In this way, the local program at Solana Nin was naturally "tuned" to the European calendar, and the students, with the help of their guides, connected their own observations to the broader story of continental migratory routes. This "local is global" experience is one of the greatest values of the event – children immediately see that their note on a field card makes sense in the larger, European puzzle of bird migration.
Sustainability learned by walking
For centuries, Solana Nin has been part of the identity of the town and the wider region, with a tradition of manual salt harvesting and respect for natural processes. It is this heritage that makes it an ideal stage for learning about sustainability: children understand that production can take place in harmony with birds and plant life if the rhythms of the sea, sun, and wind are respected. The role of Natura Jadera and school mentors is to translate this principle into a child-friendly language – to show that careful movement, saving water and energy, and avoiding waste are not abstract concepts, but very practical habits that begin with a walk along the edge of the crystallization ponds.
Natura 2000 habitats around the historic core
The special value of the area lies in the fact that the area around the old town core of Nin includes several habitats from the Natura 2000 ecological network. It is a combination of saline and brackish wetlands, shallow sandbanks, and reed beds that form a mosaic of habitats, crucial for bird nesting and resting. It is this diversity of the landscape that explains why it is possible to encounter songbirds, long-legged waders, and elegant kestrels in search of prey here in a short period of time.
For schoolchildren, this is an opportunity to learn to read the landscape with the help of simple maps and sketches: to recognize where a heron will appear, and where a little ringed plover will hide; to understand how vegetation dictates the availability of food and shelter; and to notice that even a minimal change – for example, carelessly passing too close to a nest – is enough to disrupt an entire micro-community.
How the program unfolded: from a "silent observer" to a young educator
According to the schedule, the day began with a brief introduction to the basic equipment: binoculars suitable for children's age, sketches of silhouettes of typical lagoon species, and "field cards" on which participants marked observed features (size, beak length, leg color, manner of movement). This was followed by a walk around the perimeter of the fields, with designated "anchor points" – places to stop for observation without noise and sudden movements.
After the first observations, there was a break during which stories about local migrations were discussed: how birds use the air currents over the Adriatic, why they gather over the lagoon before continuing their journey, and how weather conditions – including wind and visibility – can prompt them to "wait" a day or two. The students were given the task of recognizing the next "signal" – from the sudden takeoff of a flock to a change in flight direction – to learn to track behavioral cues, rather than just looking for a "pretty picture."
Curiosity that breeds knowledge: what the children already knew
The mentors particularly highlighted the prior knowledge of the little ones. Many could already name several species characteristic of the lagoon and the salt pans, explain why reed beds are important, and describe how sea salt is formed in the shallow ponds. Some also recognized tracks in the sand – elongated prints that reveal the direction of a bird's movement – while others noticed the change in plumage color of individuals in their autumn attire. Such a combination of curiosity and facts is the foundation for future generations of nature observers, as well as responsible visitors to Nin.
Why Nin is the perfect "outdoor classroom" for birdwatching
The lagoon is naturally protected by long sandy beaches, and the shallow water and muddy shores offer rich feeding niches for numerous species. It is particularly important for beginners that the observation points are easily accessible and that, with expert guidance, one can safely approach the peripheral zones of the habitat without disturbing the birds' peace. At the same time, the cultural layer of the place – traces of the Roman era, the tradition of salt production – offers a context that is understandable to children: where the salt on the table comes from, why the Roman lock is still an important story today, and how centuries-old production can be harmonized with natural cycles.
Rules of good behavior in habitats: a short etiquette for young observers
- Walk quietly and follow the guide's instructions – we see birds better when they don't "hear" us.
- Share the binoculars with a friend: while one observes, the other takes notes on the card.
- Leave no trace: everything you bring – you take away; trash goes in the bag.
- Observe nests and young from a distance – photos are not more important than the birds' peace.
- Stick to the marked paths along the edge of the fields, especially during nesting and feeding times.
A "mini-encyclopedia" of the lagoon: species that children find most interesting
Among the favorite "characters" of the day are often the slender herons patiently "fishing" in the shallow water, the fast beaks of plovers and sandpipers probing the mud, and the terns that dive like arrows. If the sky over the sea is clear, flocks sometimes appear above the lagoon, "drawing" the migration path in regular formations – a sight that always evokes surprised gasps.
Through conversation, it is explained to the children how to distinguish between related species: the length of the legs and beak, the pattern on the plumage, the color of the legs, but also the sound – short whistles, gurgles, attacks, and warning calls. Thus, observation becomes a game of recognition, but also the first step towards answering bigger questions: where do birds sleep, why are some species more numerous and others rare, and how can humans help them.
The role of partners: when tourism learns from nature
The Tourist Board of the City of Nin and Solana Nin create the program with the intention of directing visitors towards a responsible experience of the area, especially outside the main season. Natura Jadera builds on this goal with educational content and supervision, while the school – through live workshops and fieldwork – is the link between classroom theory and landscape experience. In this way, a culture of "little guardians of the lagoon" is built, who will one day make thoughtful decisions as adults.
When to come and how to prepare for birdwatching in Nin
Autumn and spring are the most active periods for observations in the lagoon and on the salt pan fields. It is best to arrive in the early morning hours when the light is soft and the birds are most active. For family visits, light sports footwear, a hat, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and – what children find most fun – their own "field card" with space for drawings and notes are recommended. Binoculars are not necessary, but they greatly help in tracking details at a greater distance.
Before arriving, it is useful to get informed about the rules of movement along the edge of the habitat and possible restrictions, and for school groups, it is advisable to announce the visit so that guides can prepare a tailored program. For parents and teachers who want more, educational materials and handbooks are available that explain the dynamics of the lagoon, the importance of reed beds, and the secrets of the salt ponds to children.
Children as ambassadors of the Nin Lagoon
The wide smiles after the first spotted silhouettes best testify to why such events make sense. When a child spots their first heron, they understand that nature is not a picture from a textbook, but a living scene that can be approached carefully and with respect. It is this experience – that they too are part of the lagoon's story – that creates a lasting emotional connection with the space and the natural values of Nin.
Why the tourism of the future is learned in Nin
In the centuries-old landscape of the salt pans, it is best seen how a tourist experience can be a tool of protection, rather than a threat. When events are planned in periods of lower attendance, when the existing infrastructure of paths and viewpoints is used, and when education goes hand in hand with the pleasure of observation, a precious "slow tourism" is created in which the visitor becomes a careful guest, and the children – future guardians of the space. This is a lesson that other coastal towns have already recognized, and Nin is putting it into practice through ongoing programs and partnerships.
Practical tips for parents and teachers
- Choose clothes in natural colors and dress in layers – the wind over the lagoon can easily change the perceived temperature.
- Respect the signs and the guide's instructions – a short stop can be crucial for spotting a species.
- Introduce "minutes of silence" – children quickly notice that the scenes then multiply.
- Encourage recording observations with words and drawings – the combination of a pencil and paper works wonders for concentration.
- Discuss what was seen immediately after the walk: how the terns flew, where the little ringed plover "disappeared," what it means when a flock suddenly changes formation.
How to continue: from a single school trip to an entire class in love with nature
After the visit, teachers can incorporate the "lagoon" into nature and society classes, art class, or Croatian language class. Children can create their own mini-handbooks with drawings and descriptions of "their" species, make a model of the salt pans from cardboard and clay, or keep a class "migration diary" in which they record week by week which flocks were spotted and how it relates to the weather. Parents, in turn, can plan a weekend walk and, through a light conversation, refresh their knowledge – right in the middle of a space that changes from hour to hour.
Planning a family visit? Here are ideas for a light itinerary
- Morning observation at the edge of the salt pan fields – a short walk with instructions on behavior in the habitat.
- A break for juice and water in the shade, while looking through the "field cards."
- A visit to the historical points of the town – a walk through the old core of Nin and an encounter with stories of Roman traces.
- Afternoon on the sandy shoals of the lagoon – observing silhouettes in the low sun.
Useful landmarks and informational links
For a deeper understanding of the salt pan landscape and the values of the lagoon, it is useful to study additional information about the natural properties, the tradition of salt production, and educational programs. Informed visitors often also visit the official websites of the institution that manages the protected areas in Zadar County, as well as websites with a general overview of the special features of the lagoon and its habitats.
Glossary of terms children encountered in the fields of Solana Nin
- Migration
- The seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds. In the Nin Lagoon, the peak of observations occurs in spring and autumn.
- Reed bed
- Groups of reeds that provide birds with shelter for nesting and feeding.
- Halophytes
- Plants adapted to saline habitats; they are an important part of the food and shelter space for numerous lagoon species.
- Crystallization ponds
- Shallow salt pans where seawater evaporates in the sun and wind, and salt is obtained by manual harvesting.
- "Silent walk"
- An agreed-upon movement without noise and sudden movements, so that observation is successful and unobtrusive.
For teachers: how to incorporate the experience into the teaching curriculum
After returning to the classroom, the experience from Nin can be turned into a project assignment: students work in groups to create a poster "Our Lagoon," write short descriptions of "their" species, and present them to the class. Assessment can include criteria of observation, teamwork, and responsible behavior towards the habitat. In this way, knowledge gained in the field is introduced into regular teaching, and children remain connected to the landscape even beyond a one-day visit.
Who the program is for and how to apply
The event is adapted for the lower grades of elementary school, but experience shows that older students also find a challenge in more detailed fieldwork, such as conducting shorter transects or making sketches of habitats. Parents and teachers can inquire about the next dates for educational walks through the organizers' information channels. For groups, an earlier announcement is recommended so that guides can time the field route and ensure a sufficient number of binoculars.
What remains with the children after one "salt pan" morning
Besides memories and the first "bird-catching" stories, children take home a tilt of the scale towards nature: a notebook with observations, basic rules of behavior in sensitive habitats, and the knowledge that every small step – less waste, more silence, a more careful walk – helps the birds that share the space of the lagoon and the town of Nin. This is also the best preparation for the great European bird count on the first weekend of October, when even young observers feel part of a large network of nature lovers across the continent.