The mood at the Horgany Natural Reserve has been celebratory over the last several days, following the discovery of a Carpathian yellow starling by a keen-eyed bird-watching tourist. As a participant of the Reserve's many visiting bird-watching groups, the tourist kept his camera ready during the group's recent bird-watching session, taking photos of the many beautiful bird species native to the region, such as the blue titmouse, skylark, and black cock.

The tourist noticed what he believed was a starling, but with an unusual yellow plumage, and immediately consulted his bird-watching guide to check for species. To his amazement and that of his fellow bird-watchers, he matched the bird to the Carpathian yellow starling, known for its distinct yellow plumage. What's so extraordinary is that the Carpathian yellow starling has been believed to be extinct, not having been observed in the Reserve for at least 27 years. The group rushed back to the Reserve's Chief Ranger's office to report the astounding find, which was met by the amazement and enthusiasm of the Reserve staff. The Chief Ranger reported immediately to the site indicated by the tourist and has made an initial confirmation of the sighting. The sighting has been reported to the Ukrainian Wildlife Ministry and in the meantime the Reserve eagerly awaits official confirmation of the Carpathian starling's reemergence, hopeful that this incredible native bird might actually see a return and extremely pleased that it would occur in our beloved reserve.