In September, a team from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), in collaboration with Electrodistribution Grid West ЕAD and Stefania Kamenova from the National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, successfully collected samples from occupied nests of European Rollers (Coracias garrulus) for an upcoming study and analysis of the food spectrum of this attractive species. This activity is carried out within the framework of the LIFE Danube Free Sky project.
Tracking individuals of various bird species by satellite or radio telemetry has yielded many valuable insights. This year, six juvenile Saker Falcon chicks in southern Slovakia were tagged with satellite transmitters, which will provide up-to-date information on their location. Click on the Read More button and watch a short video directly from the installation! Using this method, where the movements of individuals can be tracked essentially continuously in an online environment, we can get unique data on movements, hunting territories, migration routes, as well as the dangers that mostly juveniles have to face.
Power lines form an unnatural barrier in the landscape and an obstacle for many species of animals. However, wild birds are the most affected by their presence. Flying birds are at risk of striking power lines that they do not notice in time. Birds of prey, in particular, like to use the 22 kV power poles as a resting place or to hunt for prey. But what happens when they connect two wires when they land? How can we prevent this and protect them?
At the end of July, the activities for monitoring the artificial nesting boxes for Red-footed Falcons and European rollers, which were installed last winter and spring in suitable habitats in Northern and Northwestern Bulgaria, were completed.
Joint teams from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and Electrodistribution Grid West ЕAD successfully installed 50 nesting boxes for both bird species as part of the LIFE Danube Free Sky project.
Photo: Damyan Petkov, European Roller