Since 2010, I have served as coordinator of the Terns Project, operated by the Israel Ornithological Center (SPNI) and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (NPA). As part of this project, we use colour rings to mark the breeding and migratory populations of Common and Little Terns (Sterna hirundo and Sternula albifrons), as well as, the wintering and migratory populations of Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis). This work allows us to study the survival, reproductive success and movements of these species, and use this information for monitoring and conservation programs. Since 2010, we have ringed more than 12,000 birds, hundreds of which were found later across the migratory routes, European breeding areas and African wintering grounds.
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Little Tern (Sternula albifrons)Common Tern G2M in Poland (photo by Krzysztof Jankowski) |