The program of the Antikythera Bird Observatory (ABO) was successfully completed for the autumn season of 2024.
As part of the migration monitoring through the ringing method, a total of 1.000 birds from 41 species were recorded during this autumn season, with the most common species being the Eurasian Blackcap, the Willow Warbler, and the European Spotted Flycatcher. Among the most notable records were one Common Rosefinch and two Yellow-browed Warblers.
Regarding the monitoring of raptor migration, with 400 hours spent in the field, the autumn season concluded with more than 4.500 birds recorded. For yet another year, the most abundant species were the Eurasian Sparrowhawks, which maintained their lead with over 3.000 individuals passing through, followed by Marsh Harriers and Kestrels, which also showed high numbers as expected.
A significant number of species also showed notable increases, with particularly remarkable examples being the 81 Lesser Kestrels, 115 Common Kestrels, six (6) Eleonora’s Falcons, and 26 Short-toed Eagles. These numbers set new records for the island, further highlighting the importance of Antikythera as a passage and bottleneck for raptor migration.
In addition to these remarkable numerical records, there were also interesting individual observations, such as two Golden Eagles and a Booted Eagle. These species, though believed to have nested in Antikythera in the past, are now rarely recorded on the island.
Beyond the aforementioned activities, this autumn also took place the population census of the Eleonora’s Falcons of Antikythera island and the nearby islets, as part of the National Census of the species conducted by the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS). This also included monitoring of their breeding success and the color-ringing of adult individuals.
Lastly, as part of the program "From Europe to Africa: Monitoring Migratory Raptors through Systematic Fieldwork and Citizen Science," supported by the Green Fund, staff from Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.) spent a week in Antikythera, where they were trained by ABO team in field methods for monitoring and recording bird migration.
Learn more about ABO program
