As spring progresses, more and more migratory birds are returning from their wintering grounds. Some have already reached their nesting sites, while others are still on their journey, covering vast distances and overcoming the dangers that lie on their migratory path.
As part of their scientific environmental research, museum ornithologists have equipped more than ten diurnal birds of prey with GPS-GSM transmitters. This technology enables them to collect invaluable information regarding bird migration patterns. One fascinating case involves an osprey (Pandion haliaetus) from the Kaišiadorys district. A transmitter fitted on this adult male two years ago provided data, allowing researchers to meticulously trace its two journeys to its distant African wintering destination and back.
This year, the male began his journey from his wintering grounds in Cameroon on March 20th. After covering nearly 7,400 kilometers, he was the first of all the tracked raptors to return to his nest on April 10th. Last year, he arrived a few days earlier and successfully raised three chicks with his mate. We hope for successful breeding this year too!
This rarely encountered raptor species in Lithuania is formally listed in The Republic of Lithuania’s official register of protected animals, plants, and fungi. Its national population is critically small, numbering only 40 to 50 pairs.
