- This weekend, the Bird Protection League is organizing a large count of red kites in the Pyrenees.
- Last year, volunteer observers counted 8,000 specimens of this species found only in Europe.
- Anyone can participate in this count which contributes to the safeguard of this vulnerable species.
In winter, the Pyrenees have become the favorite holiday site of royal kites, these raptors recognizable by their indented tail and their bright colors tinged with red. Conservationists will have to spot these distinctive signs this weekend, well wedged behind their binoculars.
These Saturday and Sunday, the Bird Protection League (LPO) invites, as every year, the general public to participate in the counting of this vulnerable bird species. present only in Europe.
“From November to the end of January, these birds gather at dusk at the edge of the forest. These dormitories bring together several dozen individuals who have come to spend the winter on the foothills, thus offering us an exceptional twilight spectacle, an opportunity to count them more easily, ”says the LPO.
[#Braconnage] 🦅‼ ️☠️More than 15 cases of shooting of protected species already identified this year in #LPO safeguard centers in the #Occitanie region
Among the injured birds radiographed: kites, hawk, eagle, around, buzzard, gull, ... https://t.co/Cc70RCPmqB pic.twitter.com/pEdbjIFgZ6
Last year, nearly 8,000 birds were counted in the Pyrenean massif, 3,000 more than in 2016. A record achieved in particular thanks to the help of the 300 participating volunteers on the territory. This year again, the LPO counts on the help of all the volunteers for this action which contributes to the safeguard and the protection of this species.
With family
The association will be able to observe the changes compared to last year, in particular on their presence in corridors sometimes not yet detected, often thanks to raptors equipped with beacons. The red kite is often the victim of poisoning or shooting: last year 65 corpses were identified, including 16 marked individuals from foreign countries, according to the association.
For those wishing to participate, the accounting of royal kites is not complicated: a pair of binoculars and a good sense of observation make it easy to spot raptors, without being a professional. Children can also participate in this activity which can be practiced with the family. To take part, simply contact the LPO France or local associations and transmit the observations on the Faune France site.
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