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Hard Times for Migratory Birds
What we can do to help
April 5th to 6th was a disastrous night for migratory birds. Very strong northerly winds and low temperatures followed several days of adverse spring weather and persistent rain that had already exhausted the traveling birds, after their journey of thousands of kilometers over the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean Sea. All this, with no insects flying, dispersed by the strong wind. Southerly winds pushed massive migratory flocks to Northern Africa, where they confronted the northern wind streams of the Aegean Sea (around Cyclades Islands), forcing them to turn towards the eastern coast of mainland Greece in order to find a place to rest. That turn affected particularly species that feed from flying insects, especially swallows, martins and swifts, but also flycatchers and other passerines.
On April 6th, the morning light revealed a shocking sight: tens of thousands of birds, chilly and exhausted, were unable to move. Swallows and martins had to rest on the ground, on the blacktop, on balconies, on rooftops and any other surface available. Swifts –a purely airborne species that can not rest on the ground or on a wire– found a temporary shelter by grabbing a wall or by hiding in scuppers or air ducts. Flycatchers filled parks and gardens in Athens and other cities. All this happened throughout Eastern Greece, from southernmost Crete to northernmost Macedonia. Migratory birds are adapted to adverse conditions and certain losses are expected during their journey. However, this specific weather combination was unprecedented and pushed entire populations to their limits. If we take into account all the hardships that human activity brings about during their journey –habitat loss, desertification, illegal killing etc.– these losses could prove devastating. Thousands of citizens were alarmed and flooded social media with messages, pointing out the condition of the birds and asking for directions. Tens of hundreds of exhausted birds died due to exhaustion, run over by cars or killed by cats. The overall situation is gradually improving, nevertheless some protective measures must be taken during the next few days:
Alkioni Wildlife Care and Protection Association (Paros island): ANIMA (Athens): Action for Wildlife (Thessaloniki, Northern Greece):
Barn Swallows in Vravrona wetland (Attica) Photo: HOS/BirdLife Greece For more information: Hellenic Ornithological Society/BirdLife Greece: +30 210 8228704, info[at]ornithologiki.gr |
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