From March 30 to April 2, the Albanian Ornithological Society organized a Migratory Bird Ringing Camp in Divjakë-Karavasta National Park as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and better understand bird migration routes in Albania.
The camp focused on migratory birds using the park as a temporary stopover site during spring migration. Four 12 m mist nets (48 m in total) were installed within the pine forest habitat of the park and operated daily from sunrise to sunset. Nets were checked regularly every 30 to 60 minutes depending on bird activity levels.
The selected habitat, characterized by pine trees, dense shrubs, and water-filled canals, provides important shelter and feeding opportunities for migratory passerines during migration periods.
During the four-day camp, more than 50 birds belonging to 7 species were ringed. The most frequently recorded species was the Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), a short-distance migrant commonly wintering in lowland areas of Albania before moving towards breeding areas in mountainous regions during spring. The park also functions as an important resting site for individuals migrating from Africa towards northern Europe. Divjakë-Karavasta National Park remains one of Albania’s most important coastal ecosystems for migratory birds and biodiversity conservation.
Other recorded and ringed species included:
- European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
- Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
- Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
All birds were equipped with uniquely coded Albanian metal rings bearing the AOS (Albanian Ornithological Society) acronym, as the Albanian Bird Ringing Scheme is led and coordinated by AOS, part of a larger network such as EURING. Birds were also measured for standard morphological parameters including wing length, body weight, fat score, and pectoral muscle condition. These data contribute to assessing the physical condition of birds during migration and support long-term monitoring efforts in Albania.
Bird ringing activities were conducted under the supervision of licensed bird ringers, as ringing cannot legally or ethically be carried out without the presence of certified personnel trained in bird handling and data collection according to international standards.
Images showing birds in mist nets were taken strictly for scientific bird ringing and monitoring purposes. Mist nets are carefully monitored throughout the day to ensure birds are safely extracted, processed, and released as quickly as possible.
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park remains one of Albania’s most important coastal ecosystems for migratory birds and biodiversity conservation.
This project is financed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through the PROZHUM project hosted by the Tour du Valat.
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