BirdID 2020 Albania – the bird identification course led by AOS in collaboration with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Nord University – continued on November 21-22, 2020, with yet another interesting weekend of observations.
A total of 55 bird species were recorded in the Important Bird Area of Lalzi Bay or in the wetland of “Sektori Rinia” (Fllakë) and in the reeds of the Durrës Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The main groups of birds observed were:
- Waterfowl (Shorebirds, Ducks, Gulls, Herons, and Cormorants etc.)
- Passerines (Pipits, Larks, Buntings, Goldfinches, flocks of Starlings, etc.)
- Diurnal (Daytime) raptors (Harriers, Sparrowhawks, Falcons and Buzzards)
The presence of a high number of species enabled teachers and students to explain and memorize the distinctive characteristics of different species. As in other sessions, the course paid special attention the calls and songs that are a distinguishing feature of the songbirds even though it is not their nesting season.
Students, now independently, began to distinguish between species and similar groups of birds such as, the difference between gulls, or gulls and terns, between different shorebirds, between pipits and larks. Quite interesting was the difference in the silhouettes of raptors. Determining the differences between raptors’ silhouettes was an engaging exercise as well.
Species of the day? That depends on personal taste! However, AOS appreciates the presence of the Eurasian Oystercatcher (𝘏𝘢𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘴), the Sanderling (𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘢), the Common kestrel (𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘰 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘴), the Glossy ibis (𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴), the Eurasian reed warbler (𝘈𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘶𝘴) and many others.
