Earlier this year Hannah and I spent a
fantastic two weeks at the Ponza Island Ornithological bird-ringing study
centre. A truly fantastic place to witness spring bird migration of many
species. Commonest species seen/ringed include Icterine Warbler, Spotted
Flycatcher, Garden Warbler and Wood Warbler during big fall days numbers in
their 100's to 1000+ across the Island. Large numbers of Golden Oriole,
Bee-eater, Hoopoe seen daily migrating through along with many familiar species
in the UK including Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Whinchat and Nightingale present
in large numbers. During the 2weeks several fall days saw Pied Fly, Redstart
and Whinchat numbering 200+ each across the Island. Extraordinary numbers Other
highlights , large numbers of migrating Honey Buzzards, Great Reed Warblers,
Wryneck, Collared Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Lesser Grey
Shrike, Short-toed Eagle, Elenaora's Falcon, both Western and Moltoni's races
of Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warblers, Serins, Audouins Gull and Red-footed
Falcon all recorded during our visit to the Island. Looking forward to
returning again next spring! :)
