Spotted a purple heron in the province of Brindisi: it stopped in the reserve because in this period it is at the peak of its spring migration.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himIt almost camouflages itself among the reeds and has its small prey in its beak: this wonderful purple heron photographed in the protected marine area of Torre Guaceto, in the province of Brindisi, is a hymn to life. Arriving in the oasis swamp, now deserted due to the lockdown, he refreshes himself during his migration. To then resume flight.
According to reports from the experts of the management consortium of Torre Guaceto, the Airone stopped in the reserve because in this period it is at the peak of its spring migration. For this, the shot is as exceptional as the presence of the animal.
But why did the specimen stop in Torre Guaceto?
In this period, “all migratory animal species are rushing to return to their countries of origin, north of Europe, to reproduce. The journeys they are forced to face are more or less long. Experts explain.
There are 'long-haul' and 'short-haul' migrants. The first winters south of the Sahara and to return to the place where they were born can travel up to 20 thousand kilometers, the second winters around the Mediterranean basin and therefore face a relatively shorter, but no less dangerous journey. The purple heron is among the latter ".
Today, on World Earth Day, we celebrate our beloved #TorreGuaceto and the daily efforts of those who have it ...
Posted by Torre Guaceto on Wednesday, April 22,
In order to migrate, the specimens must be strong and the weather-climatic conditions must be favorable. But it can happen that the southerly winds change rapidly to the detriment of weaker and exhausted animals. In addition, man-made infrastructures increase the risk of flight and increase the danger that, especially at night or when there is fog, migrants will collide with wind towers, power lines and buildings.
“Given its location, the Apulian coast represents an important stopping point for infinite migratory species. But the location is not enough for the animals to find a suitable environment for a short or long stop. Species need to find intact natural environments characterized by high levels of biodiversity. And this is the case of Torre Guaceto ”.
An area, therefore, that plays a fundamental role in the complicated scenario of migration and allows the survival of a large number of animals. Here, the Red Heron does the loading of food and then leaves for the north.
"Once in the wetlands, it is important that the purple heron is not disturbed because at the first sign of danger it regurgitates what it is eating and takes off again, weak and hungry".
So, silence, let's enjoy this exceptional event!
Source: Torre Guaceto
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