Searching for the migration routes along the Adriatic coast of Albania

01.05.2014

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Searching for the migration routes along the Adriatic coast of Albania

Searching for migration routes always is a big challenge, especially when there is no information from previous studies! This pilot study of migratory birds in Albania was held by BSPB and the organization "Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania" (PPNEA) during the first two weeks of April.

The main objectives of the expedition were to study the migration of birds of prey, to monitor a few wetlands and to assess the potential of the studied areas for development of ecotourism. Also several nesting territories of Egyptian vultures in the country were checked and the possibilities of building a center for birdwatching were considered.

The expedition took place in and around three key areas for migratory birds on the Southern Adriatic coast of Albania: Hartley lagoon, the bay of Vlora and Butrinti. The information from several observations and websites for satellite tagged birds of different species were in aid of the participants, only. Analyzing this data, as well as the geography of the Adriatic coast revealed some promising places for bird observation. The total number of observed raptors was only 240 from 16 species. The most numerous were Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) and Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus).

In four out of the six checked nesting territories of Egyptian vultures, the birds had already returned from their winter quarters in Africa. Nine breeding pairs of Egyptian Vultures are found in the country until now. Territories in Northern Albania will also be explored, as we expect to increase the number of known nesting pairs.

Among the most interesting observations during the expedition are several migratory Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus) and a Mediterranean Falcon (Falco eleonorae), listed as critically endangered in the Red Data Book of Birds in Albania. In Lake Narta saltpans over 500 Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus), several Dalmatian Pelicans and more than 30 other species of waterfowl were established. In the Ramsar site "Butrinti" - one of the richest of wintering and migratory waterfowl in the country, were observed species such as Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), 5 species of herons and many more.

The expedition was funded within the 3-year project to CEPF “Land of Eagles and Castles: Pilot Sustainable Tourism Model for the Albanian Adriatic Coastline”.