Dangerous migration

To Greece

The other two lesser white-fronted geese travelled southeast. They staged first in a small lake in Germany near the border to Poland. Here the signals from one more bird was lost. This bird was probably also shot. The last tagged bird left Germany after two weeks and set for Hungary. It stayed for one month in Hortobàgy National Park, before continuing to Greece.

This last Lesser White-fronted Goose spent the winter in the Evros Delta, which is situated at the border between Greece and Turkey. Here it stayed together with 43 other Lessers. This means that the Evros Delta is an extremely important wintering area for lesser white-fronted geese.

The Evros Delta is a large marsh and lake complex. In similarity to the Valdak Marshes it is protected as a nature reserve and Ramsar site (wetland of international importance). In defiance of this there is still poaching in the area. Another problem is caused by over grazing of livestock.

In mid February the signals discontinued. Happily, this male Lesser White-fronted Goose turned up at the Valdak Marshes in May 1996 without its transmitter. It was recognized by the colour ring on the leg. The three other birds never came back from the dangerous migration.