Istanbul researchers band nearly 1,000 migratory birds

Researchers at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa are conducting bird banding studies to track migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. Since August 10, nearly one thousand birds have been banded in Istanbul, a city recognized as one of the world's most critical migration routes, particularly for soaring birds.

Using international standard Japanese mist nets, teams capture birds in natural green spaces where they rest and feed on vegetation like blackberries and figs. The banding process records both species and individual characteristics. If a banded bird is later recaptured in another country, researchers can reconstruct precise migration routes, identify breeding grounds, and determine lifespans.

Many birds migrate at night, making their movement difficult to observe. These scientific efforts, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate, transform seasonal bird activity into vital data regarding habitats and migratory patterns.