Art and science met at the Paul da Gouxa wetland in Portugal. Read more.
Drawings by António Varela and Sandra Lopes
On 11 August 2024, the Paul da Gouxa wetland, REWET Open Lab 7, was full of art and science.
The Association Amigos da Natureza de Alpiarça, the University of Évora, the Municipality of Alpiarça, and the REWET project organised a bird ringing session. The Urban Sketchers Ribatejo joined the session to draw the wonderful birds in the area.
In Open Lab 7, we are conducting passerine bird ringing sessions to measure bird biodiversity in our 16-year-restored area as well as in the area that is going to be restored under the REWET project since March of this year.
What is a bird ringing session?
"Bird ringing" refers to a scientific method used by ornithologists and researchers to study birds. During these bird ringing sessions, birds are safely captured using nets, and a small, lightweight, uniquely numbered ring or band is attached to one of their legs. This ring helps identify the bird if it is recaptured or found later, providing valuable data about its movement, lifespan, migration patterns, and behavior.
Bird ringing is a crucial tool for monitoring bird populations, tracking migration routes, and understanding the impacts of environmental changes on bird species. Data collected from these sessions contribute to conservation efforts, helping scientists protect and preserve bird species and their habitats.
During the session, 20 individuals from 12 different bird species were successfully captured, a testament to the rich biodiversity of the area. The species recorded included:
- Kingfisher (Alcedo athis)
- Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti)
- Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
- Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta)
- African Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)
- Blackbird (Turdus merula)
- Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
- Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
- Great Tit (Parus major)
- Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus)
- Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola jucidis)
These bird ringing sessions are not only vital for monitoring the progress of the restoration efforts but also provide valuable data that will inform future conservation strategies.
Drawing Biodiversity: Urban Sketchers at the Bird Ringing Session
The involvement of Urban Sketchers Ribatejo adds a creative dimension to this work, making it accessible and engaging for a wider audience. The ongoing restoration at Paul da Gouxa is an integral part of the REWET project, which aims to restore wetlands and enhance biodiversity across Europe. As the monitoring continues to improve these ecosystems, the data gathered from bird ringing will play a key role in understanding the impact of the REWET efforts.
With the visit of Urban Sketchers Ribatejo to draw the bird ringing session, the magnificent Paul da Gouxa wetland has been promoted in a broader community, thus helping increase the awareness of maintaining this unique space in Europe.
Details and pictures of the event by Ana Mendes, University of Évora.