Raptor Migration Project 2013

In the last days the session of fieldwork (Raptor Migration Project) coordinated by LIPU BirdLife Italy on which we collaborate was ended. In particular also this year we made observations at the island of Ustica where it has been recorded the passage of about two thousands Honey Buzzards together with good numbers of Marsh Harriers and Montagu's Harriers.

Sicily 2013 - Raptor Conservation update

Unfortunately two 50-days old chicks of Bonelli's eagle were stolen from a nest in Sicily. This criminal act was made on the 8th of May in one of the daily monitored nest. The activity of poachers in Sicily is still intense against this rare raptors and therefore our commitment must be intense. 

However we have also a good piece of news, yesterday the first young eagle flew away from the nest  while  many others are  following in the next few days. 

New Master thesis!

Some days ago Massimo Sotto discussed his Master thesis at the University of Pavia. This thesis has been realized among the research activities of MEDRAPTORS. In particular, Massimo studied the wintering ecology of the Common Buzzard in northern Italy. Two study areas were compared, the Padana Valley and hilly and mountain territories of northern Apennines. The results of his research showed that the Common Buzzard mostly winters on flat areas and in particular on rice fields. In addition  Kestrels, Hen Harriers, Sparrowhawks and Peregrine Falcons were the other species of raptors recorded but in small numbers.