Tomorrow, March 10th, Lithuania celebrates “Forty Birds Day,” a traditional holiday symbolizing the mass return of migratory birds and the arrival of spring. To mark the occasion, the basketball players of Rytas Vilnius, together with their partner Satchel and the NGO “Mes Darom,” joined forces last Friday in Vingio Park to install new nesting boxes for birds returning to Lithuania.
This initiative is more than just practical environmental aid; it serves as an extension of Rytas’ social campaign, “Together Against All.” The campaign aims to emphasize that community unity and environmental stewardship are core values that connect the people of Vilnius both on and off the court.
“Urban nature is a living organism, and our support during March is critical. By hanging nesting boxes in Vingio Park alongside the Rytas and Satchel teams, we want to remind everyone that every tit or starling plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. This month, we invite all residents of Lithuania not only to hang birdhouses but also to care for our smallest inhabitants by setting up ‘insect hotels’ in their yards or on their balconies. The example set by the Rytas players proves that environmental protection begins with simple yet meaningful actions,” says Edvardas Baltuška, Head of Communications at “Mes Darom.”
Sergiy Barybin, CEO of the fintech company Satchel, emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation and sustainable initiatives.
“We are all part of a single living system: by caring for nature, we simultaneously create a sustainable environment for ourselves and for future generations. It is a pleasure to have consistent, like-minded partners like the Rytas Vilnius team and ‘Mes Darom,’ with whom we share a common goal of nurturing our surroundings,” says S. Barybin.
According to Jaroslav Latušinskij, Executive Director of Rytas Vilnius, the club’s involvement in such activities is a natural responsibility as city ambassadors.
“It is important to us that the Rytas name is associated not only with the competitive spirit on the basketball court but also with an active contribution to the well-being of Vilnius. Hanging nesting boxes with the Satchel and ‘Mes Darom’ teams is a perfect example of how collective action leads to meaningful work. This is a key part of our ‘Together Against All’ message: by standing united, we can not only strive for victories but also protect what is precious to us all,” says Jaroslav Latušinskij.
Forty Birds Day has been observed in Lithuania since ancient times, rooted in the belief that around 40 bird species return to their homeland by this day. The nesting boxes installed in Vingio Park are tailored to various species, meaning the first harbingers of spring will be moving into their new homes very soon.