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Fieldwork in Dobrudja – survey for Saker falcons


Photo: Luca Dehelean
In March, a few ornithologists from the Milvus Group working on the “Conservation of Falco cherrug in Northeast Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia” LIFE+ project have started the fieldwork in Dobrudja. As a first step they verified the presence of the target species in the Măcin Mountains, where Saker falcons used to breed. Although there are several suitable breeding places, due to unknown reasons yet, unfortunately the birds were missing. (more…)

Continue ReadingFieldwork in Dobrudja – survey for Saker falcons

Taking part in the annual meeting of raptor conservation specialists in Hungary

[singlepic id=482 w=250 h=200 float=left]Birds of prey usually occur in the top of the trophic pyramid, which means that because of the major changes caused by humans on ecological equilibrium make them more and more vulnerable. It’s a matter of fact that many raptor species are endangered and need conservation actions to survive. The specialists from Hungary have reached the top of the class in raptor conservation, as their efforts made in the last few decades lead to increase the national populations of some highly endangered birds of prey species, of which global effectives are permanently decreasing. Such species are the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) and the Saker (Falco cherrug). (more…)

Continue ReadingTaking part in the annual meeting of raptor conservation specialists in Hungary

Nestboxes for Owls

In winter 2010-2011 members of the Milvus Group have mounted a number of five artificial nestboxes for Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) and seventeen nests for Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus).…

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1st Meeting of the International Working Group within the AEWA concerning the Lesser White-fronted Goose, one of the most endangered bird species in the Western Palearctic

[singlepic id=470 w=200 h=250 float=left]The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) is the largest of its kind developed so far under CMS (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, also known as the Bonn Convention), and it covers 255 species of birds ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle. It was concluded in 1995 in the Netherlands, and entered into force on 1 November 1999. Since then the Agreement is an independent international treaty. The agreement covers 118 countries from Europe, parts of Asia and Canada, the Middle East and Africa. Romania has signed it on 01.10.1999, and ratified it through the Law nr. 89/2000. (more…)

Continue Reading1st Meeting of the International Working Group within the AEWA concerning the Lesser White-fronted Goose, one of the most endangered bird species in the Western Palearctic

The project “Valea Alceului and Lunca Barcăului, Natura 2000 sites designated for the conservation of the Red-footed Falcon”

[singlepic id=465 w=250 h=200 float=left]Our project called “Valea Alceului and Lunca Barcăului, Natura 2000 sites designated for the conservation of the Red-footed Falcon”, supported by the MOL Romania and the…

Continue ReadingThe project “Valea Alceului and Lunca Barcăului, Natura 2000 sites designated for the conservation of the Red-footed Falcon”

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).

(more…)

Continue ReadingAutumn migration of raptors in North Dobrogea, 2010
Read more about the article Migration Map of the Satellite Tracked Romanian Lesser Spotted Eagles (Aquila pomarina)

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.

(more…)

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…)

Continue ReadingWhite Stork ringing in Dumbravioara and Ernei

2nd International “Milvus” Nature Photography Contest

THE WINNERS

Click here to view the photos…

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

[singlepic id=350 w=320 h=240 float=center]

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…)

Continue Reading2nd International “Milvus” Nature Photography Contest