To track changes in the wintering bird of prey populations, we have once again conducted our Winter Bird of Prey Monitoring Programme, which has been running since 2006. During the first observation period, which took place at the end of last year, 40 participants covered 55 transects, recording observed species over a total distance of 490 km. In the second period, in February 2025, 52 participants covered 531 km. Observers recorded 1,196 birds of prey during the first field session and 1,079 in the second.

The most abundant species was the Common buzzard (850 in the first period + 807 in the second), followed by the Common kestrel (170 + 129) and the Hen harrier (68 + 60). While several species showed population counts below the multiannual average, the Hen harrier was observed in larger numbers than in an average year, especially in Transylvania and Moldova.

Here you can find the species and the number of individuals observed.

Rare species were also observed, including the Eastern imperial eagle (3 ind.), the Greater spotted eagle (2), the Saker falcon (1), and the Long-legged buzzard (2).

In December, the highest raptor densities were recorded in Bihor County (Mihai Bravu- Tamașeu), Arad County (Bocsig-Ineu), and Sibiu County (Orlat – Poplaca), while in February inArad County (Bocsig-Ineu), Sibiu County (Orlat – Poplaca), and Hunedoara County (Gânțaga-Călan).

We would like to thank all observers for dedicating their time to our programme and contributing to its success!