Record season

The final days of the ringing season on Ponza were characterised by a gradual slowdown in migration, influenced both by the persistence of westerly winds and by the approaching end of the spring migration period. Despite lower numbers compared to the previous weeks, the island continued to provide interesting observations right up to the last day of activity.

Between the 19th and the 22nd of May, daily catches ranged between around 150 and 300 individuals, with a clear dominance of spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), icterine warbler (Hippolais icterina) and garden warbler (Sylvia borin). In particular, spotted flycatcher became the most abundant species of the final phase of the season, with some days in which it accounted, together with icterine warbler, for more than 90% of all captures.

Even during this final stage, new seasonal species and remarkable observations continued to appear. Among them was the first red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) of the year, a species typical of late spring migration, and a beautiful male blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius), one of the final surprises of the season.

On the 23rd of May, after 88 days of fieldwork, the station officially closed the nets, bringing an exceptional season to an end. With 24,014 birds ringed, the 2026 season established a new all-time record for the project. Alongside these extraordinary overall numbers, the season was also marked by particularly rare and noteworthy captures, such as the fourth European roller (Coracias garrulus) recorded in 25 years of activity.

Several important international retraps were also recorded, involving birds originating from Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Malta, Lithuania and Belarus, in addition to local retraps of individuals previously ringed on Ponza in past years. These data once again confirm the fundamental role of the island as a strategic stopover site along the Euro-Mediterranean migratory routes.

The end of the season is also an opportunity to thank everyone who made this project possible: volunteers, students, researchers, nature guides, supporters, visitors, and all those who followed the station’s daily updates. Behind the numbers and scientific results lie weeks of intense work, collaboration, friendship and a shared passion for bird migration and conservation.

With the closing of the nets, another extraordinary spring season on Ponza comes to an end: a season full of surprises, new encounters and valuable scientific data. Now all that remains is to wait for the next migration season.