SmartBirds
© Vladimir Mladenov
In early March, a team from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) successfully ringed and tagged with satellite transmitters two more Dalmatian pelicans in Bulgaria. The birds were tagged in the Burgas lakes area. This brings the total number of pelicans tagged this season to four.
The transmitters weigh a few grams and are placed on a special section of the pelicans’ wing where they do not cause discomfort. The tagged birds get used to the transmitters very quickly and can carry out their daily activities without any problems.
Placing transmitters on Dalmatian pelicans is a major advance in the study of this rare species. Using ring data and satellite telemetry, scientists can track the birds’ movements and locate places where pelicans feed, roost, rest, and nest. Separately, valuable data on speed, altitude, and flight patterns are obtained in real-time. Thanks to the transmitters, we will learn more about the ecology, movements, and threats to the species, which will help us plan and take future conservation measures to protect it.
© Владимир Младенов
Both tagged pelicans are female and will be named Hristina and Albena. Hristina is the second adult Dalmatian pelicans with a satellite transmitter tagged in Bulgaria. Albena is a young, almost two-year-old bird.
Hristina’s movements
Immediately after the manipulation, the Dalmatian pelicans were released. Hristina is currently in the Danube Delta region of Romania and Albena is still in the Burgas Lakes.
Albena’s movements
This brought the total number of tagged Dalmatian pelicans in Bulgaria to six, but unfortunately the first two birds, Maria and Kali, died.
The study of the species is carried out within the framework of the international project “Pelican Way of LIFE” (LIFE18 NAT/NL/000716) funded by the EU LIFE programme. The project is coordinated by Rewilding Europe, in partnership with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, the Romanian Ornithological Society (SOR), the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS), the Persina Nature Park Directorate – Belene, Rewilding Ukraine and Rewilding Danube Delta.
Soon the data from the transmitter will be uploaded to the project site www.life-pelicans.com and it will be possible to track the movements of the tagged pelican in real-time.
