Dynamic migration

This week, the migration has been quite dynamic, with fluctuating weather conditions. Despite some rainy afternoons and wind, we saw substantial movement of birds across Ponza.

One of the main highlights was the first Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla) of the season on the 4th of May. Alongside, we had a great variety of species including Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus), Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur), and Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus), which continue to enrich our monitoring.

On the 9th of May, we celebrated an exceptional find: a Western Orphean Warbler (Curruca hortensis occidentalis), the first in 24 years of the project! The morning was dominated by Garden Warblers (Sylvia borin), with a steady increase in numbers throughout the day.

The weather was mostly favorable, with a few rainy spells, especially on the 4th of May. While some quieter days occurred, such as on the 6th and 8th of May, migration still provided us with plenty of surprises. A Spectacled Warbler (Sylvia conspicillata) and Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) made their appearance, and the Black-eared wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) was spotted as well.

In terms of bird numbers, the 11th of May proved to be a standout, with over 1300 birds ringed, marking a major milestone for the project (we call it BOTTA day). The Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) was especially prominent throughout the week, with large numbers caught, alongside Garden Warblers and a range of flycatcher species.

With more favorable weather ahead, we remain hopeful for the coming days and expect continued exciting migration activity!