NottinghamGull
Active member
The Camargue in Southern France is where the Rhone river meets the Mediterranean. It is a well known bird sanctuary where many species can be seen, particularly famous for its colony of Flamingos.
However, some studies suggest there may soon be a new phenomenon just along the coast in the city of Marseille. The Ornithology department of the University of Sussex has a nearby aviary, known locally as “The Amex”, nestled in the beautiful nature reserve of the South Downs. Opened in 2011, it became the permanent home to a nomadic species that had scattered far and wide in previous years. There, around 30,000 Seagulls (Brightonion Supporterus) can regularly be found. Their beautiful blue and white stripped plumage is on full display and once or twice a week you can hear them in full voice as their bird song fills the air in hope and anticipation.
Recently there has been an increase in activity and twitchers believe that some of these birds are preparing to migrate. This has never been seen before in the history of this species so the excitement level is naturally very high.
Early indications are that they are headed to an area known as Joliette in Marseille. Arrivals are expected over a few short days where they will congregate and refuel on local delicacies. Thursday 5th October has been identified as the day of peak activity with a frenzy of eating, drinking and song as the squabble reach the high of their lives.
The University of Marseille has its own aviary called Stade Vélodrome. They intend to gather up all the visitors and observe them over a few hours in the evening before setting them free again. Although the local all white OM species may represent a hostile environment to the incoming Seagulls, netting will be in place to ensure separation and prevent injury. Cameras will be able to capture and share their natural behaviour to a wider audience so hope you tune in.
Due to the effort involved in getting to the south of France it is thought that the Seagulls may lose much of their plumage en route. However, once in the aviary the blue and white stripes might emerge from under the plain coverings and their song heard at the full volume of a dusk chorus.
Expect a lot of noise during these few days. Migrating birds maintain communication by chirping and it is also done to defend their territory. It is often thought as a mating ritual but this is unlikely to be the case in this instance due to the low number of female Seagulls migrating and not being Spring.
Evidence from other species suggest they will disperse very quickly the next day and return to their natural habitat of Sussex by the Sea.
Please let us know your own observations of this unique experience….
However, some studies suggest there may soon be a new phenomenon just along the coast in the city of Marseille. The Ornithology department of the University of Sussex has a nearby aviary, known locally as “The Amex”, nestled in the beautiful nature reserve of the South Downs. Opened in 2011, it became the permanent home to a nomadic species that had scattered far and wide in previous years. There, around 30,000 Seagulls (Brightonion Supporterus) can regularly be found. Their beautiful blue and white stripped plumage is on full display and once or twice a week you can hear them in full voice as their bird song fills the air in hope and anticipation.
Recently there has been an increase in activity and twitchers believe that some of these birds are preparing to migrate. This has never been seen before in the history of this species so the excitement level is naturally very high.
Early indications are that they are headed to an area known as Joliette in Marseille. Arrivals are expected over a few short days where they will congregate and refuel on local delicacies. Thursday 5th October has been identified as the day of peak activity with a frenzy of eating, drinking and song as the squabble reach the high of their lives.
The University of Marseille has its own aviary called Stade Vélodrome. They intend to gather up all the visitors and observe them over a few hours in the evening before setting them free again. Although the local all white OM species may represent a hostile environment to the incoming Seagulls, netting will be in place to ensure separation and prevent injury. Cameras will be able to capture and share their natural behaviour to a wider audience so hope you tune in.
Due to the effort involved in getting to the south of France it is thought that the Seagulls may lose much of their plumage en route. However, once in the aviary the blue and white stripes might emerge from under the plain coverings and their song heard at the full volume of a dusk chorus.
Expect a lot of noise during these few days. Migrating birds maintain communication by chirping and it is also done to defend their territory. It is often thought as a mating ritual but this is unlikely to be the case in this instance due to the low number of female Seagulls migrating and not being Spring.
Evidence from other species suggest they will disperse very quickly the next day and return to their natural habitat of Sussex by the Sea.
Please let us know your own observations of this unique experience….
