Today we ringed the Lesser-Kestrel chicks (Falco naumanni), born this year in the village of Mértola. Six chicks were ringed, and in one of the boxes we found an egg that did not hatch.
It is estimated that this year 13 to 15 pairs bred in Mértola, the last urban site in Portugal where the species still reproduces. In partnership with the Guadiana Valley Nature Park / ICNF and with the support of Mértola town council, we’re monitoring from close the reproductive success of the species and guaranteeing that they have a safe place to breed, year after year.
The public event began with a brief explanation of the ecology of the species. Carlos Carrapato, biologist in the Nature Park, explained the importance of the conservation measures implemented for this species.
Many participants had the opportunity to help ring one of the chicks, and learn in detail how to distinguish males and females. In one of the nest-boxes, the chicks were already displaying colourful plumage, revealing a more advanced stage, while the other three had less developed plumage.
In May, their mom showed us 3 incubating technics…
Among the participants, were with us students of Game Management, from Alsud Professional School, and members of the Associação Montícola and the Estação Biológica de Mértola, Portugal Wildscapes partners in other initiatives.
Thank you all for your participation!
Find out about the conservation project to support the Lesser Kestrel colony in Mértola.
Ativities co-funded by Alentejo 2020 programme.
