Raptor Migration Monitoring in Antikythira

Duration of volunteer work (exact dates): March, 15th - May, 31st, August 25th - October, 31st.

Minimum stay period: 15 days

Brief description of program:
Recording of all birds of prey passing through Antikythira during their migration. Species of special interest are all four harriers Circus aeruginosus, Circus cyaneus, Circus pygargus, Circus macrourus, Hieraaetus pennatus, Buteo buteo vulpinus, Falco vespertinus, Milvus migrans, Pernis apivorus, Accipiter brevipes.

Number of volunteers required: 2-3 every 15 days

Volunteer work description:
Volunteers will remain in specific spots in the island and will record all the migrating birds of prey from 8-12 am and from 3-7 (8) pm, filling out field protocols and updating the existing database. The duration of recording and registering is 8-10 hours daily. Observation posts are located near to the Bird Observatory and are easily accessible.

General Description of the Area:
Antikythira is a small island, covering an area of 20 sq. kms and having a coastline of 24 kms, located south of the Peloponnese and between Kythira island and Crete. Antikythira and the adjacent islets are declared Special Protection Area and Site of Community Interest and are part of Natura 2000 network. Furthermore, it is an Important Bird Area of Greece.

Stay:
ABO volunteers stay in a guesthouse that has been recently built for this purpose. It can host up to 10 people but you have to bring your sleeping bag. There are 2 WC one for men and one for women as well as well organised kitchen for cooking.

Participation Fee: The fee for non-members is 30 Euros, and volunteers have to cover their travel fees. Basic food suplies are provided. All volunteers are obliged to pay around 20 Euros for insurance costs unless they bring their own insurance contract.

Prerequisites (special skills if needed): Good knowledge in the recognition of the birds of prey of Europe, knowledge of English and computer use. In the case, of someone coming to learn, none of the above is needed.

Equipment: Binoculars (ideally 10X50, 12X50) or field scope (20X60). Sleeping bag, Hat, Sunscreen lotion, Field Guide for Birds of Prey.