News from the Strait of Messina

The 18th of August there was the peak day of the passage of Black Kites at the Strait of Messina. More than 700 individuals were counted also in large flocks moving over the Aspromonte sky. Moreover a flock of 95 White Storks was detected. We tracked many migrants with our radar collecting data concerning their flight altitude. Here following a portrait of our radar team.

Mid-August report from the Strait of Messina

In the last days we prepared the radar station and we started the fieldwork. Setting radar has taken a long time (as usual...) but since yesterday everything has been working well. Here following pictures of the preliminary activity. The radar station is on the continental side of the Strait and we are using two watchpoints simultaneously. The fieldwork is carried out with our friends of Ornis Italica and there are several people involved from three different European countries.

Invitation for volunteers - Strait of Messina

Next week we are going to start a new season of fieldwork at the Strait of Messina, together with our friends of Ornis Italica: on the 10th of August we will start an extensive fieldwork going on until the end of September. We are monitoring the effect of a new powerline on the migration of birds as well as collecting data on the migratory behaviour of raptors with a radar station and from two different watchpoints. It could be the chance to observe good numbers of raptors (Honey Buzzards, Black Kites, Marsh Harriers, Montagu's Harriers, Egyptian Vultures, Lesser Kestrels) moving toward the Strait and also to meet friends and colleagues. Last year more than 20.000 raptors were counted from a single watchpoint. If you would like to join us as a volunteer you are welcome and we will provide food and accomodation. 

Write us an email for further information.