Each September, ornithologists and volunteers flock to the former salt lake near Ulcinj, southeastern Montenegro, to assist with bird migration studies. This location, once a thriving salt production site until 2013, has transformed into a vital feeding point for migratory birds traveling to Africa. The flat, open landscape—bordered by high mountains except for the Bojana River—makes it an essential stop for birds along the Adriatic flyway, where they refuel before the next leg of their journey.
Experts, like Nikola Novovic, a bird conservation specialist, emphasize the importance of the site. “This unique location, with its distinctive ecology, provides ideal feeding grounds for migratory birds preparing for their long journeys,” he explains. The Ulcinj salt flats, now home to grasses, salt-tolerant plants, and reeds, have become a sanctuary for these birds, allowing them to rest and gain strength for their flight across the Mediterranean.
One of the key activities during this period is bird ringing. This involves catching birds in nets and tagging them with identification rings, each featuring a unique number that allows researchers to track individual birds over time. Biologist Oto Sekeres, who participates in the ringing process, notes, “To the human eye, many birds look similar. Bird ringing allows us to distinguish them and track their movements, giving each bird its own identity.”
The volunteers who take part in these efforts are essential to the conservation work being done at the site. One such volunteer, a biology student named Biljana Dejanovic, shares her awe at the process: “There’s something magical about holding a bird in your hand. Whether you’re a biologist or just an ordinary person, that connection with nature is powerful. It’s an incredible feeling that deepens your love and respect for wildlife.”
As part of the ringing procedure, the birds are carefully handled. Volunteers gently blow their feathers to inspect them and then attach the small identification rings. They reference guidebooks to accurately identify each species, contributing to a larger body of knowledge on bird migration patterns.
The work being done at the Ulcinj salt flats is critical for the conservation of these migratory species. By tracking the birds, experts can monitor population changes, study migration routes, and identify environmental challenges the birds face. This data is invaluable for long-term conservation strategies aimed at protecting migratory birds, many of which are threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
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