Migratory birds - counting - pass of Organbidexka

 

By its geographical position, the diversity of its landscapes..., France is a privilege place to observe this natural and mysterious phenomenon: the migration of birds. However, the future of many species had become worrying. Considering the urgency to halt the decline and to respect our european agreements, the "Mission Migration" had been created in 2006.

In a partnership with 8 associations (LPO, OCL, CORA, GONm, Le Clipon, Picardie Nature, Groupe Ornithologique de Corse, Réserve Naturelle de l'Estuaire de la Seine), this operation will last 5 years and has for goals to improve and perpetuate the protection of migratory species.

Operational in 2008, this plan began with the reiforcement of  the spotting actions and the implication of citizens.

That's how I have been able to participate during a dozen of days (in july) in the counting performed since more than 20 years on the pass of Organbidexka (Basque country) as a voluntary watcher. 

I have been welcomed there, like the other voluntary workers, by the local ornithologists. We have been guided and trained, especially, in the observation and recognition of the different species of birds of prey (migratory and sedentary).

 

Depending on the species watched, the method of identification is different. In the case of birds of prey, for instance, we took an interest in their shape, the way they fly or their anatomy rather than in the color of their feathers which was not really relevant here. 

During my stay, i was thus lucky to admire the Black and Red Kite, the White Stork, the Griffon and Egyptian Vulture, the Golden Eagle, the Short-toed Snake Eagle, the Common Buzzard, the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, the Honey Buzzard, the Common and Alpine Swift, the Peregrine Falcon, the Common Kestrel...

 

 

Once the species was identified, we also noted precisely the hour when the birds fly over the pass, the weather forecast (kinds of clouds, strength and direction of the wynd) and the number of watchers. That was a real team-work.

 

 

 

  We were also available to inform visitors and make them aware of the protection of the migratory birds: answering their questions, giving them some binoculars to make them able to discover this heritage with their own eyes, talking about the actual threats causing the decline of these birds populations (climate changes, pollution, damaging of natural habitats...). These exchanges were convivials! 

  

 

 

Personnal comments:

 

The atmosphere in the team was also very friendly. After a hard and long work, we were invited to savour the local specialities!

For me, that was a really nice and enriching experience, professionally and personnally speaking.

Thanks again to Olivier and Elodie for having share their knowledge with us, for their patience and their kindness. I wish you luck for the next years.