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Wednesday 25 September 2019

PONZA ISLAND BIRD-RINGING MAY 2019

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! :)