In motion
Newsletter, 28.11.2014
The majority of our free-roaming migratory Northern Bald Ibises is currently still north of the Alps. Thus, their autumn migration journey is delayed for more than a month. This situation may seem unusual or worrying, but in our view it is rather fascinating and exciting.
Fascinating seems the fact that the birds have stayed for weeks at several places, completely independent of each other, especially in the valley Zillertal in Tyrol, around the village Bramberg in Salzburg, at the Salzburg Airport and three young birds around the Bologna airport in Italy. On 19 November, the three birds from Bologna departed and flew quickly into the common wintering area. Since that day, we observed significantly increased spatial movement also in the other groups. We know this synchronicity of independent groups already from former years. It indicates that also this year the birds behave dependent on external parameters and will continue the autumn migration journey at the appropriate time. However, it is remarkable how flexible and sensitive the birds can respond on the extremely mild winter start his year.
For some time, the App Animal Tracker was not up to date due to a technical failure. Meanwhile, the issue has been resolved and the app again shows the actual whereabouts of the birds.
By the way, the App Animal Tracker has won the Science Year competition of the Citizen Science Platform. In addition, this App seemingly inspires quite varied and controversially. A recent example is an article from Chelsea Wald, which mainly concerns the future of zoos.
Picture: AG Schmalstieg
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