Odessa Ornithologist Helps Locate Rare Bewick’s Swan
Odessa ornithologist recently played a vital role in assisting European experts from the Hungarian bird ringing center in locating a rare Bewick’s Swan at the Tiligul estuary. The swan, identified by a neck satellite navigator with the code 203T, had been tracked on its migratory journey, covering thousands of kilometers between Europe and the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
Concern arose when the satellite tracker showed the swan remaining in the same coordinates for an extended period. Despite the challenging terrain of dense reeds and marsh vegetation, the regional landscape park’s scientific department, led by Igor Gerzhik, embarked on an expedition to locate the bird.
After exhaustive searches, the tracker was found, but the Bewick’s Swan was not in the vicinity. Traces of beaks on the device suggested that the swan may have fallen prey to a predator, possibly a fox or a stray dog. Gerzhik emphasized the vulnerabilities faced by birds during migrations, highlighting the dangers they encounter.
The disappearance of this rare swan serves as a poignant reminder of the obstacles that migrating birds endure. It underscores the critical role of conservation efforts in protecting these magnificent creatures as they traverse vast distances in search of suitable habitats.
