Autumn migration of raptors in North Dobrogea, 2010

Aquila pomarina Macin 2010

All Romanian birdwatchers know that thousands of raptors, white and black storks, and other gliding bird species migrate every autumn through Dobrogea.

In the past few years several studies have been made in order to identify the main migration periods for each raptor species. Maybe the most relevant among these studies was elaborated by the Milvus Group itself, based on the raptor migration observation camps held in the Măcin Mountains (link).

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Migration Map of the Satellite Tracked Romanian Lesser Spotted Eagles (Aquila pomarina)

[singlepic id=450 w=250 h=200 float=left]Within the frame of the project that views the conservation of the species, entitled “Conservation of Aquila pomarina in Romania” (LIFE08 NAT/RO/000501), members of “Milvus Group” Bird and Nature Protection Association managed to capture three adults and three juvenile Lesser Spotted Eagles in May and July, in one of the project’s target areas. The birds were equipped with satellite transmitters(Microwave 45 g Solar Argos/GPS PTT-100s) which will help track their movement through the Argos system for minimum one year, so we will receive important information about their home range, habitat use,  and beginning with autumn also about their migration routes and wintering sites. The birds received other markings as well, such as aluminum and color rings (with code numbers) and wing feather paintings.

To view their movement access this page.

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Continue ReadingMigration Map of the Satellite Tracked Romanian Lesser Spotted Eagles (Aquila pomarina)

The project “Environmental education in Mureș county” financed by the Administrația Fondului pentru Mediu (www.afm.ro) has began

[singlepic id=449 w=200 h=150 float=left]During August, Milvus Group organized the environmental education camp for youth between ages 9-15, in the Rigmani Nature School (Mures County. The participants - through outdoor activities…

Continue ReadingThe project “Environmental education in Mureș county” financed by the Administrația Fondului pentru Mediu (www.afm.ro) has began

White Stork ringing in Dumbravioara and Ernei

[singlepic id=433 w=200 h=150 float=left]Ringing of White Stork nestlings in Dumbrăvioara and Ernei localities was carried out in 25th of June, 2010. As all stork nests are located on the electric power poles, we were helped with a special car from the Tg.-Mureș Electricity Company (thanks for them). The ringing was carried out by the team: Alfano Niccolo, Daróczi Szilárd, Kósa Ferenc, Peris Cabre Marta, Papp Tamás, Szabó D. Zoltán and Szállassy Noémi. (more…)

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2nd International “Milvus” Nature Photography Contest

THE WINNERS

Click here to view the photos…

The Grand Prize (First place winner of the competition):

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Csonka Péter/Hungary – Zivatarban

A section – FREE TOPIC

1st place: Seprényi Attila/Sweden – Nagy bukók harca

2nd place: Jorge Pedro Barradas de Casais/Portugal – Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis)

3rd place: Gaál Péter/Hungary – Indiánportré

Highly commended photo:

Várday Béla/Romania – Morning Lights (more…)

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Lesser Spotted Eagles with Satellite transmitters

[singlepic id=299 w=250 h=200 float=left]The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) is one of the raptor species with an unfavorable conservation status. Its Romanian population is particularly significant from a conservational viewpoint, as almost a quarter of the European breeding population lives in Romania. Within the frame of the project that views the conservation of the species, entitled “Conservation of Aquila pomarina in Romania” (LIFE08 NAT/RO/000501), members of “Milvus Group” Bird and Nature Protection Association managed to capture two adults Lesser Spotted Eagles on May 10, in one of the project’s target areas. (more…)

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SPAs in Milvus Group’s custody

In February 2010, “Milvus Group” Bird and Nature Protection Association received in custody three Special Protection Areas (SPA). In order to gain custody of these Natura 2000 sites, members of the association have submitted detailed documentation and also a management plan of these areas to the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Of these three sites, one (Iernut and Cipău Fishponds) is in the range of Mureș county, while the other two (Alceu Valley and Barcău River Meadow) are located in Bihor County. (more…)

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Starting ceremony of the “Conservation of Aquila pomarina in Romania” Life+ project

[singlepic id=291 w=200 h=170 float=left]The starting ceremony of the “Conservation of Aquila pomarina in Romania” LIFE+ project was held at 10th of February 2010 in Sibiu at the Continental Forum Hotel. Participants at the meeting were the three partners of the project: the Regional Environmental Agency from Sibiu, the Milvus Group and the Romanian Ornithological Society. (more…)

Continue ReadingStarting ceremony of the “Conservation of Aquila pomarina in Romania” Life+ project

Exotic turtle measuring day

[singlepic id=289 w=250 h=200 float=left]From January we will restart the exotic Turtle Measuring Day! This is an initiative of the Amphibian and Reptile Protection Group in collaboration with Trachemys Adoption – Romanian Coalition. Every turtle lover who keeps an exotic turtle can participate. Active participants will have to measure in every 23th day of the month 4 data of the turtle and these must be sent to the project coordinator (tibor.sos(at)gmail.com). (more…)

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Synchronous winter census of Long-eared Owl

[singlepic id=285 w=250 h=200 float=left]International Long-eared Owl Network (ILEON) decided to initiate for winter 2009/2010 a synchronous winter census of Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) in Central and Eastern Europe. Till now, several countries from this geographical region manifest the willingness to participate in this program. Synchronous shall be done by a standard method, identical for each country and it is addressed for all volunteers who want to get involved in it. (more…)

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Information panel about bears

On the 28th of November 2009, we have inaugurated in the Tg. Mures ZOO a bilingual (Romanian and Hungarian) information panel about bears. The panel – located next to the bears’ paddock – is intended for the education-information of the wider public (visitors) by presenting facts about the species’ biology, ecology, threats, etc. The panel also has some interactive features, namely 2 wooden boxes mounted on its bottom, in which children can get a “hands-on” experience by touching and feeling a bear’s teeth and footprint (both exact replicas after natural samples). The panel – realized within the “Brown bear conservation and research programme in a model area in Romania” and in co-operation with the Tg. Mures ZOO – was financially supported by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Romania (through the Matra Small Nature Management Projects).
We also plan to distribute information brochures to the visitors wanting more detailed information about bears. The brochures will soon be available at the ZOO’s entrance, free of charge, both in Romanian and Hungarian languages.
[singlepic id=280 w=250 h=200 float=left]On the 28th of November 2009, we have inaugurated in the Tg. Mures ZOO a bilingual (Romanian and Hungarian) information panel about bears. The panel – located next to the bears’ paddock – is intended for the education-information of the wider public (visitors) by presenting facts about the species’ biology, ecology, threats, etc. The panel also has some interactive features, namely 2 wooden boxes mounted on its bottom, in which children can get a “hands-on” experience by touching and feeling a bear’s teeth and footprint (both exact replicas after natural samples). (more…)

Continue ReadingInformation panel about bears