New paper out now

A new Medraptors paper has been published on Avocetta journal. It is a paper reviewing what it is actually known about the migration of raptors in Greece. In the last ten years different research were made at three watchsite: National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli, island of Antikythira and Mount Olympus. Moreover a study realized by satellite telemetry was carries out tracking Eleonora's Falcons. All these research showed different migration strategies performed by the different species of raptors. Marsh Harriers and Eleonora's Falcons migrate on a broad front over the Aegean Sea, Honey Buzzards perform a loop-migration being funnelled over the island of Antikythira in autumn but not in spring, Short-toed Snake Eagles (and perhaps Levant Sparrowhawks and Lesser-spotted Eagles) cross the sea at the  Bosphorus performing a long detour, finally Common Buzzards and Sparrowhawks are short-distance migrants wintering almost in Southern Greece and Crete. Some comments on the Egyptian Vulture status highlight the dramatic situation of the Balkan population of this species that is rarely observed migrating at the watchsites. 

If you would like to read the paper click on the link below:

Panuccio M., Agostini N. & Barboutis C. 2013. Raptor migration in Greece: a review. Avocetta 37: 1-7.

Migration of Black Kites in southern continental Italy

In this period our friend Emanuele Guido Condello is collecting preliminary data on the autumn migration of Black Kites in Southern Continental Italy. The area is located between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Calabrian Apennines. This long week-end of mid-August occurs the peak of the migration of kites in this region and several flocks including tens of individuals are moving soutward. 

Migration of Black Kites in Central Italy

In central Italy Black Kites are leaving their breeding territories. Many of their nesting sites are already empty and there are observations of small flocks moving southward. They are going to Africa and in the next weeks they will overcome the Mediterranean Sea at the Channel of Sicily reaching Tunisia.

In the picture below our feeding point for Black Kites. We will be  waiting  them back  next spring.

Movements of Black Kites: new Medraptors paper out now!

A new Medraptors paper has been published on Ethology, Ecology and Evolution journal. The paper is a review of what it is known about the movements of Black Kites in the different seasons of the year. The article makes the point of research made during migration as well as during the breeding season and winter. Different hypotheses are discussed related to the different behaviour of these raptors in relation to different geographic areas. In particular differences discussed concern timing, flyways, the influence of population size and wintering areas. 

You can find the pdf at the following link:

• Panuccio M., Agostini N., Mellone U. & Bogliani G. 2013. Circannual variation in movement patterns of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans migrans): a review. Ethology, Ecology & Evolution dx.doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2013.812147.

Fledgling raptors

In these days chicks of many raptor species are growing fast and in the next days they'll leave their nests. In the pictures below young Kestrels in nest boxes and a nest of Black Kites photographed by Marco Trotta in the coastal area south of Rome (Central Italy).

Passage of Buteo spp. over Marettimo (Sicily)

In the field of the "Raptor Migration Project" coordinated by LIPU BirdLife, our friend Giovanni Cumbo made a whole month of observations at the wonderful island of Marettimo (Western Sicily). Among the observed raptors he counted some individuals of Buteo spp., that are scarce migrants across the Central Mediterranean area. Those birds were Common Buzzards but also Steppe Buzzards and Long-legged Buzzards. Here follow some pictures taken by Giovanni in Marettimo.

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.