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RAPTOR CAMP 2010: 11th – 26th September
Make a difference towards the conservation of wild birds. Join Raptor Camp Malta and participate in Illegal Hunting Surveillance and Raptor Migration Monitoring.
About BirdLife Malta
BirdLife Malta is the most effective and successful organisation in the fight against illegal hunting of protected species in Malta. BirdLife Malta forms part of the BirdLife International partnership which includes organisations such as RSPB in the UK, NABU (Naturschutzbund) in Germany, VBN (Vogelbescherming Nederland) in Holland, SVS/BirdLife Switzerland, SOF (Sveriges Ornitholgiska Forening) in Sweden, LIPU (Lega Italiana Protezione Uccelli) in Italy and many others.
What is Raptor Camp Malta about?
Since the late 1990s, BirdLife Malta has organised a camp during the annual autumn raptor migration period. Both local and international volunteers join this camp with the express aim of curtailing illegal hunting activity and collecting data on bird migration. This is no bird watching holiday, but a serious conservation effort!
What’s in it for you?
This is an excellent chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation and experience life in another country. You will be given the opportunity to get involved in serious conservation work and, more importantly, play a part in Malta’s fight to stop the illegal hunting of protected species.
One of the teams in the field monitoring migration.
What does the camp consist of?
Illegal hunting surveillance and raptor migration monitoring are the two main elements forming the camp. These are carried out every day during the morning and afternoon. As well as monitoring raptor migration, participants will also record migration of a range of other species, including herons, bee-eaters, orioles, thrushes and doves.
When not working on the main Raptor Camp objectives, participants are free to choose from several planned activities. These include birding-related activities (such as bird watching trips to local nature reserves) and other leisure activities such as cultural visits to historic sites or swimming. Participation in some of these activities may include an extra cost. On some evenings, workshops, discussions and films will be organized for the participants.
Raptor Migration Monitoring
Malta is on the European-African migratory flyway, and is a critical area for birds to rest and refuel while undertaking their taxing annual migrations between European breeding grounds and African wintering grounds. While at surveillance posts, volunteers will record raptor migration and collect data on the different bird of prey species that pass over the island. The most common migrants at this time of year are honey buzzard, marsh harrier, European hobby and common kestrel, while other migrants include osprey, montagu’s harrier, eleonora’s falcon and lesser kestrel. Data recorded includes species, age and sex (where possible), location, and time of sighting.
Illegal hunting surveillance
While recording migration data at surveillance posts, volunteers will also remain vigilant for illegal hunting and trapping activities. Camp attendees will effectively be working as ‘look-out posts’, and will pass on information to the police regarding illegal hunting activities to assist in their investigations. The volunteers will record data on illegal activities as well as gathering evidence through cameras and video cameras – photographic evidence is proving increasingly important in convicting poachers in Malta and thanks to evidence collected in our previous camps we have had several successful prosecutions in the courts. At times, in the absence of police, the presence of Raptor Camp teams is extremely useful in curtailing illegal hunting activities, as poachers are less likely to shoot at protected species if they know that our teams are in the area with video cameras. Past experience shows that the mere presence of birdwatchers who will report infringements to the police is an active deterrent.
Illegal hunting and trapping activity recorded by teams is reported to the police to assist with their investigations.
What skills do you need to join Raptor Camp Malta?
All one really needs is enthusiasm and motivation to monitor raptor migration and help in the fight against the illegal hunting of protected species. However, a number of volunteers are required to have raptor identification skills – we therefore ask that you specify your level of bird identification when you enlist in Raptor Camp.
For those without raptor identification skills, a crash course in raptor ID will be provided twice during the duration of the camp.
Please note that English is the working language of this camp and all presentations and summaries will therefore be carried out in English.
What about accommodation, food and transport while in Malta?
BirdLife Malta organizes group accommodation in a hotel. This hotel also acts as the base of all activities during the camp. Standard accommodation in the form of three or four persons sharing a room with a bathroom will be provided. Should anyone wish to have a single room an extra charge will apply.
The hotel is a 4-star complex near the Salina saltpans. It boasts 2 swimming pools (both inside and out), 2 bars, a mini-shop, free wi-fi access in public areas, a games room, roof terrace, jacuzzi, sauna, small gym, spa treatments and nightly entertainment. Each room has a balcony, TV, hair dryer, mini fridge and safe.
Accommodation, food and transport (during camp activities) will be organized for the group.
How long does the camp last?
The camp starts on Saturday 11th September and lasts for 2 weeks ending on Sunday 26th September. Volunteers may come for one or two weeks, depending on their availability and the flight schedule.
How much does the camp cost?
The cost per person per night is EURO 24.00. This includes:
- Shared accommodation in the hotel (three/four persons in one room);
- Continental and English breakfast;
- Cooked buffet lunch;
- Cooked buffet dinner;
- Water during meals;
- All transport during camp activities.
Not included in the above cost:
- other drinks (during and after meals);
- activities which are not essential to the camp’s operation;
- anything else not mentioned above.
Airport transfers will be organised for you. The cost of the airport transfer is EURO 25 per transfer. We will help to organise shared airport transfers when people arrive or depart on the same flights, therefore the cost of the taxi will be shared if this occurs.
For those wishing single rooms – please contact raptorcamp@birdlifemalta.org for cost.
How do I book?
There are three stages to book. The first stage is to get in touch with Jess Chappell on raptorcamp@birdlifemalta.org. Next you should fill in and return by e-mail the booking form that Jess will send to you. The third and final stage is to pay a deposit of 50% of your stay direct to the hotel to confirm your booking. The remainder of the hotel payment will be due on arrival at the hotel.