Bird ringing camp on the Danube River, Serbia

Bird ringing camp on the Danube River, Serbia, 17th of August to the 17th of September 2019.

Google Earth coordinates   N 44º 50' 03.30"       E  21º 18' 32. 91" 

       For the third year, the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (http://pticesrbije.rs/?lang=en) organized a bird ringing camp on the banks of the Danube River close to Romania. The area is protected as a Nature Reserve which includes a bay of the Danube River named "Labudovo Okno" (Swan's Pool).

Fig. 1. "Labudovo Okno"

The Danube River shore is sandy as this region is called "Deliblatska Pešćara" (Deliblato Sands), a vast area which was termed the European Sahara. During Austro-Hungarian rule, the sands were tied down by planting vegetation. Today, there is here interesting steppe flora but unfortunately, also invasive plant species are increasingly present.

Fig. 2. Danube shore

The area is steppe-like with some shrub and tree vegetation. It is rich in specific wildlife.

Fig.3. Typical landscape

A number of natural ponds are present in which the European water turtle is found. The ponds serve also for watering livestock (sheep, cattle) and wildlife. The livestock is useful in sustaining the typical steppe characteristics.

Fig. 4. Natural pond

For catching birds, nets are erected in several specific areas, woodland, mudflat and reeds.

Fig.5. Nets on mudflats

For wading birds, especially those preferring reeds, trap cages are used. With these, one catches for example Spotted crakes.

Fig.6. Traps

Among the most beautiful birds is the Kingfisher. It is interesting that when one holds this bird, it is very docile, only turns its head slowly from one side to the other. Often, before being released, it lies on its back on the palm of the person holding it, until it suddenly flies away. It is interesting that one of the most uncomfortable birds to take off the nets are common Great tits. They peck exactly at the base of the fingernail which can really hurt.

Fig. 7. Author with Kingfisher

In the Danube River live many fish species. Some are overfished, so there is now a ban on fishing Sterlet since the 1^st of January 2019, thanks to the initiative of WWF. There is a current problem with the introduced American crayfish which is devastating the fish spawn of endemic fish. Its population is now greater than that of the endemic crayfish, the ratio being according to research about 30:1 in favor of the American crayfish.

Fig. 8. Locally discovered crayfishes and Sterlet

On the left is the American crayfish recognized by its specific red markings on its back. On the right is the endemic crayfish which is a protected species but often caught in fishing nets. In the front is a Sterlet, this one died in the fishing net, so it could not be returned to the water.

Guest author:

Dr. Miroslav Demajo

Belgrade, Serbia

29^th of October, 2019

Source: 

http://nature-birds.blogspot.com/