Spring Ups and Downs

This week at Ponza unfolded as a classic spring crescendo: a chilly start, an exciting surge in bird activity, and a forecast of stormy days ahead just in time for Easter. Weather, as always, played a crucial role, with wind and cold temperatures delaying fieldwork early on, before giving way to sunshine and a sharp increase in migratory birds.

The week opened on a quiet note: strong morning winds kept the nets closed well into the day, and even then, bird activity remained low. Still, the season’s first Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) added a flash of colour to an otherwise slow morning.

Warmer days soon followed, and with them, migration picked up pace. A significant highlight was the capture of a Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) — only the second ever recorded on Ponza. Alongside it, more typical spring migrants such as Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli) added diversity to the ringing totals.

By midweek, spring was in full swing. Over 200 birds were ringed in a single day, including three new species for the season: Moltoni’s Warbler (Curruca subalpina), Sand Martin (Riparia riparia), and the first Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata). Warm air masses from Africa began influencing the region, setting the stage for two strong days of migration.

The peak came on 10 April, with around 400 birds ringed, including two exciting firsts for the season: Semicollared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata) and Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia). The weather remained ideal — sunny, mild, and still — fuelling expectations for continued strong migration through the weekend.

But nature had other plans. Despite perfect weather, 11 April brought unexpectedly low numbers, with fewer than 100 birds ringed. A very late Skylark (Alauda arvensis) provided the day’s main surprise.

Fortunately, things picked up again the following day, with another near-400 bird total dominated by Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and Wood Warblers (Phylloscopus sibilatrix). Another seasonal milestone was marked by the arrival of the first European Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur), a welcome sight given their declining numbers across Europe.

As we head into Easter, the weather is expected to turn again — wind and rain are on the horizon. Still, we hope to squeeze in some ringing sessions between the showers. Migration is well underway, and surprises may still be just around the corner.

Stay tuned!