Patience is the virtue of bird ringers

Last week on Ponza was marked by slow migration, challenging weather conditions, and a few exciting moments that broke the monotony. Although the start of the period showed some promise with the first new species of the season, the following days were mostly quiet, with very few birds on the move and unfavourable winds keeping migration at a standstill.

One of the most significant moments was the capture of an adult male Mediterranean wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), an important addition to the season's list. This species has two recognised subspecies, each with two distinct morphs, all of which have been recorded on Ponza over the years. The individual captured this time belonged to the hispanica subspecies, easily identifiable by its characteristic black throat. It was a welcome sight during a week when bird activity was otherwise sparse.

Another noteworthy event was the unexpected arrival of a group of 12 white storks (Ciconia ciconia), an unusual sight on the island. They spent the early morning exploring the rooftops of Le Forna before departing mid-morning towards Circeo on the mainland. Their presence added a touch of excitement to what would otherwise have been a quiet period, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of migration.

However, for much of the week, the conditions remained unfavourable. A persistent westerly wind and periods of rain kept numbers low, with many net checks yielding little or nothing at all. On one of the slowest days, fewer than 15 birds were ringed (26th of March), and the migration standstill showed no signs of improvement. Eventually, worsening weather forced the closure of all nets early on one occasion, due to strong winds and the approaching rain, shortening an already uneventful day.

Despite the difficult conditions, the week ended with a slight improvement thanks to the addition of three new species to the season's records. A kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), and a wryneck (Jynx torquilla) brought some much-needed variety. With better weather forecast in the coming days, there is renewed hope that migration will soon pick up, bringing an influx of new arrivals to the island.

For now, we remain patient, enjoying the beauty of Ponza’s landscapes and looking forward to the next wave of birds. Stay tuned!