URDAIBAI
Reserve URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Digital Magazine
No.2
International Airport for Birds
A love story: the journey of two swallows The arrival of the spring herons 2nd Quarter 2017
Urdaibai Reserve Digital Magazine Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia) No.2, 2nd Quarter 2017 ISSN: 2530-8793
EDITING Urdaibai Bird Center, Aranzadi Society of Sciences
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ADDRESS Orueta 7, 48314 Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia) TELEPHONE NUMBER 94 625 11 57 EMAIL birdcenter@birdcenter.org WEB PAGE www.birdcenter.org TEXTS Urdaibai Bird Center
Sponsors:
PHOTOGRAPHS Urdaibai Bird Center. Page 102: Indalecio Ojanguren 1887-1972, Gipuzkoa General Archive COVER Urdaibai Bird Center DESIGN Urdaibai Bird Center
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Urdaibai Reserve Digital Magazine Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia) No.2, 2nd Quarter 2017 ISSN: 2530-8793
EDITING Urdaibai Bird Center, Aranzadi Society of Sciences
04
06
ADDRESS Orueta 7, 48314 Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia) TELEPHONE NUMBER 94 625 11 57 EMAIL birdcenter@birdcenter.org WEB PAGE www.birdcenter.org TEXTS Urdaibai Bird Center
Sponsors:
PHOTOGRAPHS Urdaibai Bird Center. Page 102: Indalecio Ojanguren 1887-1972, Gipuzkoa General Archive COVER Urdaibai Bird Center DESIGN Urdaibai Bird Center
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Summary 06. URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER 08. Conservation | 10. Helping small woodland birds. 22. Tourism | 24. International Airport for Birds. | 42. BirdFlyway: The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve. 50. Environmental Education | 52. Education programme for schools.
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60. THE URDAIBAI BIOSPHERE RESERVE 62. Spring Update | 66. Spring Ardeidae. 74. Discover the biodiversity | 75. The dragonfly Brachyton pratense. 80. Did you know that ….? 84. A special place in Urdaibai | 85. The oak wood in Arratzu. 90. The Reserve in pictures. 102. LOOKING BACK 104. Busturia | 104. The neighbourhood San Bartolomé. 110. INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS 112. A love story – the journey of two swallows.
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SUMMARY
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Summary 06. URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER 08. Conservation | 10. Helping small woodland birds. 22. Tourism | 24. International Airport for Birds. | 42. BirdFlyway: The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve. 50. Environmental Education | 52. Education programme for schools.
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66
85
90
112
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60. THE URDAIBAI BIOSPHERE RESERVE 62. Spring Update | 66. Spring Ardeidae. 74. Discover the biodiversity | 75. The dragonfly Brachyton pratense. 80. Did you know that ….? 84. A special place in Urdaibai | 85. The oak wood in Arratzu. 90. The Reserve in pictures. 102. LOOKING BACK 104. Busturia | 104. The neighbourhood San Bartolomé. 110. INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS 112. A love story – the journey of two swallows.
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SUMMARY
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Urdaibai Bird Center
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
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Urdaibai Bird Center
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
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Conservation
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Conservation
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Helping small woodland birds Many birds require hollows or cavities for nesting. As it is often difficult for them to find such holes in the trees in our parks, gardens and forests, strategically positioned nest boxes play a key role in the conservation of these birds. The boxes attract many beautiful feathered friends to the environments we inhabit.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Helping small woodland birds Many birds require hollows or cavities for nesting. As it is often difficult for them to find such holes in the trees in our parks, gardens and forests, strategically positioned nest boxes play a key role in the conservation of these birds. The boxes attract many beautiful feathered friends to the environments we inhabit.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The great tit is a lovely bird which lives in many kinds of forests. It makes its nest in the cavities and hollows of oaks and holm oaks, which can be hundreds of years old.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The great tit is a lovely bird which lives in many kinds of forests. It makes its nest in the cavities and hollows of oaks and holm oaks, which can be hundreds of years old.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The blue tit is a beautiful, lively bird which also lives in woodlands. Like the great tit, it is very fond of a well positioned box in which to make its nest.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The blue tit is a beautiful, lively bird which also lives in woodlands. Like the great tit, it is very fond of a well positioned box in which to make its nest.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The marsh tit is a relatively uncommon bird which requires a very specific habitat. It needs mature forests with an abundance of hollows in which it can breed. It is another bird which benefits a great deal if nest boxes are provided.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The marsh tit is a relatively uncommon bird which requires a very specific habitat. It needs mature forests with an abundance of hollows in which it can breed. It is another bird which benefits a great deal if nest boxes are provided.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Nest boxes are positioned at height so their inhabitants are safe from predators. By monitoring a large number of the boxes, Urdaibai Bird Center obtains a great deal of important information about the different species in the breeding season.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Nest boxes are positioned at height so their inhabitants are safe from predators. By monitoring a large number of the boxes, Urdaibai Bird Center obtains a great deal of important information about the different species in the breeding season.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Long distance cameras allow us to obtain important information without disturbing the birds during the breeding period.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Long distance cameras allow us to obtain important information without disturbing the birds during the breeding period.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Tourism
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Tourism
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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International Airport for Birds The Urdaibai Bird Center can be seen as an incredible airport for birds. Representing the airport terminal building, the Center provides stunning views over the marsh. This natural area acts as a runway for birds coming in to land. En route from the most distant of places, all of these birds are in need of a little rest and respite before continuing their journeys.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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International Airport for Birds The Urdaibai Bird Center can be seen as an incredible airport for birds. Representing the airport terminal building, the Center provides stunning views over the marsh. This natural area acts as a runway for birds coming in to land. En route from the most distant of places, all of these birds are in need of a little rest and respite before continuing their journeys.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Airways Here at the sides are our own `airplanes’ and their airways. In addition, there is a long list of airports like the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Airways Here at the sides are our own `airplanes’ and their airways. In addition, there is a long list of airports like the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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International Flights Birds which take off from Urdaibai are heading for destinations as far away as these.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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International Flights Birds which take off from Urdaibai are heading for destinations as far away as these.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Departure gates Together with these birds we will travel to places such as Iceland, Scandinavia and Africa.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Departure gates Together with these birds we will travel to places such as Iceland, Scandinavia and Africa.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Service area In this area you will find everything you need for your journey: the shop, guides, tourist information and Wi-Fi.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Service area In this area you will find everything you need for your journey: the shop, guides, tourist information and Wi-Fi.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Control Tower This is the ideal place to observe and monitor the daily flights.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Control Tower This is the ideal place to observe and monitor the daily flights.
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Tourism
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Observation Terminal Whether it be an arrival, departure or a long stop over, you won´t miss a single flight thanks to the technology in the terminal. There are telescopes, binoculars and long range cameras to guarantee great views.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Observation Terminal Whether it be an arrival, departure or a long stop over, you won´t miss a single flight thanks to the technology in the terminal. There are telescopes, binoculars and long range cameras to guarantee great views.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Runways The runways are always busy. Planes are landing and taking off continually.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Runways The runways are always busy. Planes are landing and taking off continually.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Come and watch our daily flights
Visit the new International Airport for Birds 40
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Come and watch our daily flights
Visit the new International Airport for Birds 40
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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SaintJames´WayintheWorldofBirds BirdFlyway is run by the Urdaibai Bird Center. It is a new type of ecotourism. By participating you will follow the birds on their migratory journey across Europe and visit the network of centers that make up the route. You will get to know the natural areas, culture and heritage of each place. As you complete each stage, your BirdFlyway Passport will be stamped. Let´s take a look at one of the destinations on the route.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
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SaintJames´WayintheWorldofBirds BirdFlyway is run by the Urdaibai Bird Center. It is a new type of ecotourism. By participating you will follow the birds on their migratory journey across Europe and visit the network of centers that make up the route. You will get to know the natural areas, culture and heritage of each place. As you complete each stage, your BirdFlyway Passport will be stamped. Let´s take a look at one of the destinations on the route.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
Photographs: The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve
The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve A different visit to Portugal
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
Photographs: The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve
The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve A different visit to Portugal
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Visiting the centre is a wonderful experience. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the estuary and the birds and also participate in different activities. In addition to the exhibition area, the centre has a multipurpose auditorium, a shop and a cafeteria, where visitors can enjoy the wetland from a unique setting.
LISBON
The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve
Take part! Discover the Tajo-Evoa!
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
Photographs: The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve
The diversity and abundance of migratory waterfowl in the Tagus Estuary make it the most important wetland in Portugal and one of the most significant areas of this type in Europe. During periods of migratory passage, more than 120,000 birds rest here before continuing on their journey. Some species remain for long periods before heading to their breeding or wintering quarters.
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Visiting the centre is a wonderful experience. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the estuary and the birds and also participate in different activities. In addition to the exhibition area, the centre has a multipurpose auditorium, a shop and a cafeteria, where visitors can enjoy the wetland from a unique setting.
LISBON
The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve
Take part! Discover the Tajo-Evoa!
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
Photographs: The Tajo-Evoa Nature Reserve
The diversity and abundance of migratory waterfowl in the Tagus Estuary make it the most important wetland in Portugal and one of the most significant areas of this type in Europe. During periods of migratory passage, more than 120,000 birds rest here before continuing on their journey. Some species remain for long periods before heading to their breeding or wintering quarters.
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BirdFlyway has its own novel
In his new novel, BirdFlyway, the writer and ornithologist Antonio Sandoval Rey narrates the story of a family who are travelling in a fascinating way. They are following the migratory route of the birds.
Accompanied by a very special guide, the family visits incredible natural areas which are full of history and life. Enriched by the landscapes and animals they encounter, each member also embarks upon a personal journey. Sandoval invites the reader to begin their own journey, to take up their binoculars and visit the places on the route, to gaze at the beautiful views whether they are of nature, love, innocence or friendship and to search for the answers to their own questions.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
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BirdFlyway has its own novel
In his new novel, BirdFlyway, the writer and ornithologist Antonio Sandoval Rey narrates the story of a family who are travelling in a fascinating way. They are following the migratory route of the birds.
Accompanied by a very special guide, the family visits incredible natural areas which are full of history and life. Enriched by the landscapes and animals they encounter, each member also embarks upon a personal journey. Sandoval invites the reader to begin their own journey, to take up their binoculars and visit the places on the route, to gaze at the beautiful views whether they are of nature, love, innocence or friendship and to search for the answers to their own questions.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism: BirdFlyway
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Environmental Education
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Environmental Education
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Education Programme for Schools
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Education Programme for Schools
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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The Urdaibai Bird Center Education Programme is based on the observation and experience of nature. A deductive approach allows learners to explore and make their own deductions before coming into contact with the theory. There are two types of visits of varying duration (1 hour and 2.15 hours). The school´s requirements determine which visit is more appropriate.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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The Urdaibai Bird Center Education Programme is based on the observation and experience of nature. A deductive approach allows learners to explore and make their own deductions before coming into contact with the theory. There are two types of visits of varying duration (1 hour and 2.15 hours). The school´s requirements determine which visit is more appropriate.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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To reserve visits to the Center please ring the following number: 946251157 Alternatively contact us on this email:birdcenter@birdcenter.org
We look forward to seeing you!
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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To reserve visits to the Center please ring the following number: 946251157 Alternatively contact us on this email:birdcenter@birdcenter.org
We look forward to seeing you!
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Are you a company? ALLIANCE PROGRAMME URDAIBAI RESERVE Be part of the green view Consult our programme here: www.birdcenter.org
Collaborators: 58
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Are you a company? ALLIANCE PROGRAMME URDAIBAI RESERVE Be part of the green view Consult our programme here: www.birdcenter.org
Collaborators: 58
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The Urdaibai Reserve
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
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The Urdaibai Reserve
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
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Spring Update
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Spring Update
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Spring Update
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Spring Update
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Swallows resting in Gautegiz-Arteaga
In spring, birds pass through the area on their migratory journeys from countries in the southern latitudes to their breeding grounds in the north.
Ruffs feeding in the Orueta marsh.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Aerial combat! Black kites fighting in front of the Bird Center.
Spring Update
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Swallows resting in Gautegiz-Arteaga
In spring, birds pass through the area on their migratory journeys from countries in the southern latitudes to their breeding grounds in the north.
Ruffs feeding in the Orueta marsh.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Aerial combat! Black kites fighting in front of the Bird Center.
Spring Update
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Spring herons 66
THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Among the many species that can be observed during the spring migration period are these long legged birds which belong to the Ardeidae family. They are water birds and are similar to the more well known storks.
Spring Update
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Spring herons 66
THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Among the many species that can be observed during the spring migration period are these long legged birds which belong to the Ardeidae family. They are water birds and are similar to the more well known storks.
Spring Update
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The purple heron This is undoubtedly one of the most stunning herons that can be seen in the Urdaibai wetlands during the spring migration period.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Spring Update
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The purple heron This is undoubtedly one of the most stunning herons that can be seen in the Urdaibai wetlands during the spring migration period.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Spring Update
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The squacco heron This medium sized heron is very beautiful. In Spanish it is called the crab heron but this is a little misleading as it has a varied diet. It also eats fish, frogs, insects and other creatures which inhabit the marsh. Sightings of it are rare. When it is observed, it is always during this short migratory period.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Spring Update
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The squacco heron This medium sized heron is very beautiful. In Spanish it is called the crab heron but this is a little misleading as it has a varied diet. It also eats fish, frogs, insects and other creatures which inhabit the marsh. Sightings of it are rare. When it is observed, it is always during this short migratory period.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Spring Update
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The night heron This small heron is characterized by the fact that it is most active at dusk and during the night when it feeds on amphibians and other small wetland creatures. If you are really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this little beauty in one or two specific locations in the Urdaibai marshes.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Spring Update
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The night heron This small heron is characterized by the fact that it is most active at dusk and during the night when it feeds on amphibians and other small wetland creatures. If you are really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this little beauty in one or two specific locations in the Urdaibai marshes.
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Spring Update
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Discover the biodiversity
The fascinating dragonfly
Brachytron pratense 74
THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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Discover the biodiversity
The fascinating dragonfly
Brachytron pratense 74
THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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Female
Also known as the hairy dragonfly, the male of this species is extremely territorial and drives away any intruders which venture onto his patch. From the beginning to the middle of spring, when conditions are favourable, the male can be seen flying tirelessly around in search of a mate. The females, which are very beautiful, are much more difficult to see
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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Female
Also known as the hairy dragonfly, the male of this species is extremely territorial and drives away any intruders which venture onto his patch. From the beginning to the middle of spring, when conditions are favourable, the male can be seen flying tirelessly around in search of a mate. The females, which are very beautiful, are much more difficult to see
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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This fascinating dragonfly lives in areas of the wetland where there is fairly salty water, for example, in inner areas where there are reed beds. Their lifecycle is completed in this environment. Beginning as a larva in the water, the dragonfly then emerges and becomes airbourne. At this stage it hunts flying insects and then goes on to mate and reproduce. This rare dragonfly was first registered in the Basque Country in the spring of 2009 in the upper marshes of Urdaibai. It is very special.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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This fascinating dragonfly lives in areas of the wetland where there is fairly salty water, for example, in inner areas where there are reed beds. Their lifecycle is completed in this environment. Beginning as a larva in the water, the dragonfly then emerges and becomes airbourne. At this stage it hunts flying insects and then goes on to mate and reproduce. This rare dragonfly was first registered in the Basque Country in the spring of 2009 in the upper marshes of Urdaibai. It is very special.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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Did you know that ….?
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know that ….?
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Did you know that ….?
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know that ….?
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Did you know that ‌ even today you can see the terrible sight of dead birds hanging in trees? Who kills these birds and why? Some people still believe that the corpses act as scarecrows and discourage other birds which might cause harm to crops. However, this belief is totally unfounded. In addition to this, birds should be seen as our allies as they eat insects. Not only do they help to conserve crop plantations, but they are also a fundamental part of the ecosystem on which we are all dependent.
The greater spotted woodpecker is a beautiful bird whose diet consists mainly of insects.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The jay lives on insects and small vertebrates. This bird is a very important part of the ecosystem as it collects and buries acorns underground. Through this behavior, the jay maintains the forests in which it lives.
Did you know that ‌.?
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Did you know that ‌ even today you can see the terrible sight of dead birds hanging in trees? Who kills these birds and why? Some people still believe that the corpses act as scarecrows and discourage other birds which might cause harm to crops. However, this belief is totally unfounded. In addition to this, birds should be seen as our allies as they eat insects. Not only do they help to conserve crop plantations, but they are also a fundamental part of the ecosystem on which we are all dependent.
The greater spotted woodpecker is a beautiful bird whose diet consists mainly of insects.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The jay lives on insects and small vertebrates. This bird is a very important part of the ecosystem as it collects and buries acorns underground. Through this behavior, the jay maintains the forests in which it lives.
Did you know that ‌.?
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A special place in Urdaibai
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Arratzu oak wood
A special place in Urdaibai
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A special place in Urdaibai
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Arratzu oak wood
A special place in Urdaibai
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This beautiful oak wood is situated between Arratzu and Mendata. The Golako, one of the main rivers in Urdaibai, runs through it. Today, oak woods of this type are very rare in Bizkaia so they are of great value. The forest offers walkers the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful oaks, chestnuts and hazelnuts and other trees that contribute to its spectacular beauty and importance.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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This beautiful oak wood is situated between Arratzu and Mendata. The Golako, one of the main rivers in Urdaibai, runs through it. Today, oak woods of this type are very rare in Bizkaia so they are of great value. The forest offers walkers the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful oaks, chestnuts and hazelnuts and other trees that contribute to its spectacular beauty and importance.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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BERMEO
GAUTEGIZ ARTEAGA
GERNIKA
Arratzu
To cross the Golako River on the border of Mendata and Arratzu, walkers must use The Artezubi Bridge. This bridge dates from the medieval period and it is part of the coastal route of the St James´ Way.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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BERMEO
GAUTEGIZ ARTEAGA
GERNIKA
Arratzu
To cross the Golako River on the border of Mendata and Arratzu, walkers must use The Artezubi Bridge. This bridge dates from the medieval period and it is part of the coastal route of the St James´ Way.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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The Reserve in Pictures
Beautiful sand banks stretch out into the turquoise sea at the mouth of the estuary.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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The Reserve in Pictures
Beautiful sand banks stretch out into the turquoise sea at the mouth of the estuary.
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The Reserve in Pictures
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The tile kiln with its impressive chimney, Murueta.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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The tile kiln with its impressive chimney, Murueta.
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The Reserve in Pictures
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Mud, seaweed and saltwater plants exposed at low tide in the Urdaibai marshes.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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Mud, seaweed and saltwater plants exposed at low tide in the Urdaibai marshes.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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A shorebird´s footprints on San Antonio beach.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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A shorebird´s footprints on San Antonio beach.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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Sansevieria trifasciata, or snake plant, can be seen in specific locations in Urdaibai during the spring. This rare forest fern is classified as Special Interest on the list of endangered species in the Basque Country.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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Sansevieria trifasciata, or snake plant, can be seen in specific locations in Urdaibai during the spring. This rare forest fern is classified as Special Interest on the list of endangered species in the Basque Country.
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The Reserve in Pictures
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A stunning rainbow with San Miguel de EreĂąozar in the background.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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A stunning rainbow with San Miguel de EreĂąozar in the background.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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Looking Back
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LOOKING BACK
Busturia
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Looking Back
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LOOKING BACK
Busturia
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Busturia
1937
Taken in 1937, this photo shows two neighbourhoods in Busturia, San Bartolome and Altamira. The image shows the Atlantic countryside and the wheat harvest. (Photo by Indalecio Ojanguren 1887 – 1972, General Archive of Gipuzkoa).
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LOOKING BACK
Busturia
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Busturia
1937
Taken in 1937, this photo shows two neighbourhoods in Busturia, San Bartolome and Altamira. The image shows the Atlantic countryside and the wheat harvest. (Photo by Indalecio Ojanguren 1887 – 1972, General Archive of Gipuzkoa).
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LOOKING BACK
Busturia
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Busturia
2017
A recent photo showing the same view in spring 2017.
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LOOKING BACK
Busturia
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Busturia
2017
A recent photo showing the same view in spring 2017.
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LOOKING BACK
Busturia
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Incredible Journeys
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
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Incredible Journeys
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
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A Love Story – the journey of two swallows
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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A Love Story – the journey of two swallows
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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In his work of 1555, the Archbishop of Upsala, Olaus Magnus wrote that it in the middle of autumn it was common to see swallows in reed beds. A keen observer, Magnus was mystified by their subsequent disappearance. He came up with a wonderful explanation. He believed that the swallows had wriggled down into the mud to hibernate!
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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In his work of 1555, the Archbishop of Upsala, Olaus Magnus wrote that it in the middle of autumn it was common to see swallows in reed beds. A keen observer, Magnus was mystified by their subsequent disappearance. He came up with a wonderful explanation. He believed that the swallows had wriggled down into the mud to hibernate!
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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But of course Magnus was wrong! Later research showed that swallows do not hibernate in the mud during the winter. Their sudden absence can be explained by the fact that they migrate. These brave travellers make incredibly long and difficult journeys. For this reason the Urdaibai Bird Center chose the swallow as its logo. But how much do we really know about the lives of these beautiful birds? To understand more we would like to pose some interesting questions.
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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But of course Magnus was wrong! Later research showed that swallows do not hibernate in the mud during the winter. Their sudden absence can be explained by the fact that they migrate. These brave travellers make incredibly long and difficult journeys. For this reason the Urdaibai Bird Center chose the swallow as its logo. But how much do we really know about the lives of these beautiful birds? To understand more we would like to pose some interesting questions.
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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Do a pair of swallows fly together during migration? Where do they spend the winter?
Do they return to breed in the same farmhouse every year? Are they truly faithful to their partner? 118
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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Do a pair of swallows fly together during migration? Where do they spend the winter?
Do they return to breed in the same farmhouse every year? Are they truly faithful to their partner? 118
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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To discover the answers to these intriguing questions, a pair of swallows from Urdaibai were fitted with a geolocator on July 18th 2014.The device was like a small backpack that they carried on their journey to Africa. This device would hold the secrets of their fascinating journey.
Geolocator
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To discover the answers to these intriguing questions, a pair of swallows from Urdaibai were fitted with a geolocator on July 18th 2014.The device was like a small backpack that they carried on their journey to Africa. This device would hold the secrets of their fascinating journey.
Geolocator
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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Once the swallows had been equipped with their geolocators, we bade them farewell from Etxebarrieta farmhouse in Muxika. What lay ahead of them was daunting to say the least, as almost 50% of these birds die during their migratory journey to Africa.
However, if a swallow manages to survive the ordeal, its life expectancy is quite good. The oldest recorded individual was 16 years old.
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Once the swallows had been equipped with their geolocators, we bade them farewell from Etxebarrieta farmhouse in Muxika. What lay ahead of them was daunting to say the least, as almost 50% of these birds die during their migratory journey to Africa.
However, if a swallow manages to survive the ordeal, its life expectancy is quite good. The oldest recorded individual was 16 years old.
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So does the pair fly together during migration?
URDAIBAI
(FOTO DE BANDO DE GOLONDRINAS EN VUELO) Incredible!
Our pair did not separate, despite the fact that they joined thousands of swallows on their migratory journey to Africa and that they visited many places on the way.
SAHARA DESERT
Having left Urdaibai on September 9th, they crossed the Iberian Peninsula and the Sahara Desert together. On September 19th they reached Monrovia in Liberia. Together they travelled 4000 km, averaging 400 km per day.
LIBERIA
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So does the pair fly together during migration?
URDAIBAI
(FOTO DE BANDO DE GOLONDRINAS EN VUELO) Incredible!
Our pair did not separate, despite the fact that they joined thousands of swallows on their migratory journey to Africa and that they visited many places on the way.
SAHARA DESERT
Having left Urdaibai on September 9th, they crossed the Iberian Peninsula and the Sahara Desert together. On September 19th they reached Monrovia in Liberia. Together they travelled 4000 km, averaging 400 km per day.
LIBERIA
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Where did our swallows spend the winter?
IVORY COAST
SIERRA LEONE
GUINEA The couple stayed in Liberia for approximately 6 months along with hundreds of thousands of other swallows. In Africa these birds make up enormous roosting colonies. When the winter was over they set off on their return journey to Urdaibai on March 28th.
Monrovia
The couple´s wintering quarters
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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Where did our swallows spend the winter?
IVORY COAST
SIERRA LEONE
GUINEA The couple stayed in Liberia for approximately 6 months along with hundreds of thousands of other swallows. In Africa these birds make up enormous roosting colonies. When the winter was over they set off on their return journey to Urdaibai on March 28th.
Monrovia
The couple´s wintering quarters
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But are these swallows really faithful to their partner and will they return to breed in the same farmhouse in Urdaibai? 128
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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But are these swallows really faithful to their partner and will they return to breed in the same farmhouse in Urdaibai? 128
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A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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YES, THEY CAME BACK.
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How beautiful! The couple returned to the Etxebarrieta farmhouse within one day of each other. The male returned on April 10th and the female arrived the next day. This amazing love story has a very happy ending.
A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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YES, THEY CAME BACK.
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How beautiful! The couple returned to the Etxebarrieta farmhouse within one day of each other. The male returned on April 10th and the female arrived the next day. This amazing love story has a very happy ending.
A Love Story - the journey of two swallows
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Enjoy the views of Urdaibai from home
Live Webcam
www.birdcenter.org 132
LIVE URDAIBAI
Webcam: Marshes of Gautegiz Arteaga
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Enjoy the views of Urdaibai from home
Live Webcam
www.birdcenter.org 132
LIVE URDAIBAI
Webcam: Marshes of Gautegiz Arteaga
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Urdaibai Bird Center A special shop
Give Nature as a gift
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SHOP
Help the conservation of birds!
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Urdaibai Bird Center A special shop
Give Nature as a gift
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SHOP
Help the conservation of birds!
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