Listen to the Birds. Before it's too Late

Feb. 13, 2025

Birds: we can hear them, but we don't always listen. We take them for granted, while every year, every season, their voices are getting quieter and quieter around us. In the Netherlands – and beyond – birds are disappearing, from our landscape, from our farmland and waters, and from our villages and towns. Almost half of the breeding bird species in the Netherlands are threatened with extinction. The need to protect our feathered friends is becoming more urgent than ever. But the good news is: we can all help. And that’s why Vogelbescherming Nederland is paving the way for a more bird-friendly world – by calling for donations in a new campaign created with KesselsKramer.

The Little Owl, Black-Tailed Godwit and Sparrow Disappear

The campaign highlights three different species on the edge of disappearing completely. But it also shows how there are simple solutions to improving their living conditions – and their chances of survival. It points the way towards an easy way to help.

The creative work consists of several eye-catching short videos, social content, display ads, a radio commercial and a campaign website (reddevogels.nl). The creative idea is a riff on the old "now you see them - now you don’t" adage. Brought to life in a simple, clear, yet subtly stylised visual direction with a slightly retro look and typeface. A subtle reminder of times gone by - hinting at decades when things were going better with our birds. 

Rens de Jonge, Creative Director at KesselsKramer said: 

“It’s always important to listen more to birds –not only because of their beauty, but because of what they teach us. If we fail to hear their cries for help now, we may never hear their song again.”

 

Listen to the Birds

‘Listen to the Birds’ is KesselsKramer's first work for Vogelbescherming Nederland, sending a powerful message in line with the organisation's broad range of ambitions. For decades, Vogelbescherming Nederland has been the human voice of birds in the Netherlands, lobbying politicians, the business community and the public – a voice that we need to listen to now more than ever.

Monique Mourits, Vogelbescherming Nederland, said: 

“Our birds are a good indicator of the health of our ecosystems as a whole. And, unfortunately, many birds are not doing well. This campaign shows everyone how to contribute towards a solution.”