Cape Tenaro - Bird Ringing Report for 2017

Observations of spring bird migration have been carried out annually at Cape Tenaro since 2000. This year (2017) saw the introduction of an experimental bird ringing programme to investigate the potential of establishing Cape Tenaro as a regular bird ringing site for the study of spring migration. We wanted to ascertain if there were suitable sites for bird ringing and whether it was practical to catch enough migrant birds to make this a worthwhile activity. The necessary permits were obtained from the Greek authorities through the Hellenic Bird Ringing Centre.

On arrival we spent the first day familiarising ourselves with the area and deciding on the most suitable site to commence activities. We chose a valley side and bottom in the central part of the headland where abandoned olive groves provided shelter and act as a corridor for the northward movement of migrant birds after their arrival on the Cape.

The first full day of ringing (24^th April), whilst operating with only 5 nets (45m length), saw the highest number of birds caught (48).  Over the next few days we gradually increased to a maximum of 9 nets (87m length).   Ringing was carried out on 9 consecutive days amassing a total of 239 birds, an average of 26 per day.

Turtle Dove	1
Wryneck	1
Tree Pipit	1
Nightingale	27
Redstart	2
Whinchat	4
Black-eared Wheatear	2
Sedge Warbler	37
Reed Warbler	1
Great Reed Warbler	9
Icterine Warbler	5
Subalpine Warbler	2
Sardinian Warbler	2
Orphean Warbler	2
Whitethroat	35
Garden Warbler	39
Blackcap	3
Wood Warbler	17
Chiffchaff	1
Willow Warbler	1
Spotted Flycatcher	9
Collared Flycatcher	1
Pied Flycatcher	25
Great Tit	1
Golden Oriole	3
Woodchat Shrike	2
House Sparrow	1
Linnet	4
Corn Bunting	1
Total Ringed (of 29 species)	239

On reflection we feel that the choice of ringing site is probably ideal, when compared to all of the sites investigated.  It was well away from any habitation and was neither troubled by people nor domestic animals. Its position in relation to migrant birds making landfall on Cape Tenaro and then moving generally north through the landscape seems to be beneficial, with enough habitat for both attracting birds and erecting nets.

Overall bird ringing totals were low for the amount of time and energy expended; this was almost certainly due to the exceptionally settled weather which was not conducive to significant falls of migrants after the first day. The fine weather conditions however meant that ringing was able to be carried out on all days.

The chosen location has the potential to be a very good site for ringing migrant birds, especially passerines. There is also the scope to increase the number of mist nets if we were to have a larger team involved with the ringing programme in future years.

Finally we would like to say thank you to all those in Greece who helped us obtain the relevant permits and permissions and helped us liaise with the local community - so thank you to Katherina, Maria, Filios and Christos. 

The first bird ringed at Cape Tenaro - Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)