New M.Sc. thesis!

Few days ago Giacomo Biasi graduated at the University of Siena. In his M.Sc. thesis (title: "How weather conditions influence the flight strategies of migrating raptors: a case study from a migration bottleneck") he analyzed the flight behaviour of raptors in relation to weather conditions at Batumi bottleneck (Georgia). In particular the flight altitudes of raptors were analyzed showing species-specific behaviours. The data were collected in 2011 thanks to a collaboration between MEDRAPTORS and Batumi Raptor Count.

News from the Strait of Messina

Yesterday the first flocks of Honey buzzards have passed over the Strait of Messina. Moreover Pallid Harriers are still moving across the area like the one in the picture below (taken by Yeray Seminario). If you would like to participate at the count write to us.

Our daily observations on Trektellen!

We joined the Trektellen project and now our daily observations are available to everybody. Up to now several hundreds of raptors has been observed from our watchpoint at the Strait of Messina, most of them were Marsh Harriers but about 17 species has been recorded. Check our daily report by clicking on the picture below: 

Tens of Pallid Harriers at the Strait of Messina

Yesterday an amazing passage of Pallid Harriers has been observed at our watchpoint at the Strait of Messina. 28 individuals were counted, together with good numbers of Marsh Harriers. Tomorrow we expect another good day of migration!

If you would like to participate at the count write to us.

New M.Sc. thesis!

Some days ago at La Sapienza, University of Rome, Martina Scacco graduated with the highest marks and praice. She has discussed her Master Thesis realized in the field of our research activity. In particular she has analyzed the diet of Kestrels breeding in central Italy in relation with land use, breeding success and individual preferences.

News from the Strait of Messina

Just before the arrival of this huge low pressure cell we have observed an intense passage of raptors. Two days ago, at the Strait of Messina, we have counted about 300 Marsh Harriers together with Black Kites, Booted Eagles, Osprey, Black Storks, Sparrowhawks, Hen and Montagu's Harriers and four beautiful individuals of Pallid Harriers, all adult males.

If you would like to participate at the count write to us.

First day of raptor migration at the Strait of Messina

Here at the Strait of Messina today has been the first good day of migration since our fieldwork has started. We observed tens of Marsh Harriers together with some Booted Eagles, Montagu's Harriers and a nice flock of six Black Storks. Birds have passed between the clouds and we collected a good number of radar tracks. 

If you would like to participate at the count write to us.