RAPTOR CAMP 2009 - September 12 - October 4
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?
BirdLife Malta, since the late 1990s, has organised a camp during the annual autumn raptor migration period. Both local and international volunteers join this camp with the express aim to curtail illegal hunting activity and collect 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. You will experience the positive effects of your work immediately on a day-to-day basis.
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 other conservation work and/or birding-related activities and also other leisure activities such as cultural visits to historic sites, swimming and other social activities. 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.
An injured lesser kestrel with gunshot wound injuries to the wing
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 at the beginning and in the middle of the camp. All volunteers will be required to participate in chores to look after the camp.
What about accommodation, food and transport while in Malta?
BirdLife Malta organizes group accommodation in a family run apart-hotel in Buskett Forest. This hostel also acts as the base of all activities during the camp. Depending on the number of attendees, a second hotel may also be rented in the north of the island. Accommodation, food, transport during the camp activities will be organized for the group. The attendees will pay for their own transportation from and to the airport, usually costing around Euro 25.
How long does the camp last?
The camp starts on the 12th September and lasts for just over 3 weeks ending on the 4th October. Volunteers may come for one, two or three weeks depending on their availability and the flight schedule.
An adult female Marsh Harrier being released in Sicily after sustaining gunshot wounds during autumn migration 2008 over Malta
How much does Raptor Camp cost?
The cost per day for the camp is Euro 25. This includes:
- Shared accommodation in apartments
- Continental breakfast (breads, jams, cold cuts, tea and coffee); packed lunch (sandwich and a whole fruit); and Cooked Dinner
- All transport during working activities
Extras:
- transfer from the airport to the hotel (and from hotel to airport) can be organised for you by the hotel. This roughly costs Euro 25 per trip, which can be split if more than one person arrives on the same flight
- drinks (other than at breakfast)
- a minimal extra cost is charged for persons wishing to attend excursions to cover the cost of transport (excursions are optional)
- any other personal costs one spends on leisure
For more information and to participate simply send an email to raptorcamp@birdlifemalta.org outlining what information you need.