The Dutch Knights are back at the Champions of the Flyway 2016!
After having received the much coveted title ‘Knights of the Flyway’ in 2014, for being the most helpful team during the race and generating the greatest exposure, we succeeded in raising (even more) significant funds – as well as awareness – during last year’s event!
And once again team captain Marc Guyt managed to convince his fellow knights Gert Ottens and Martijn Verdoes to dust off their shining armour, as well as their binoculars, and to give it another go: one for all, and all for one!
Let’s face it: we’re not the most gifted birders on the planet. But nonetheless, during the hilarious race day we managed to tick a very decent 158 species last year!
So here we are, back in the arena (and with the help of major sponsors Leica Optics), to raise even more funds and awareness for the protection of migrating birds! The editions of 2014 and 2015 were mere dress rehearsals: this year we’re in it to win it!
Support us in our quest to stop the widespread, illegal killing of migrating birds in Southern Europe, in Greece specifically, by raising awareness and funds for the protection of migrating birds along their amazing flyways.
Tackling the illegal killing of birds on the Greek mainland and its Islands
Sadly, recent reports highlight a very grim picture for migratory birds in Greece, where more than one million are illegally killed every year. The problem is widespread throughout the Greek Islands and on the mainland.
There is a lot to be done on the ground in Greece and through the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) – BirdLife in Greece – we will focus on 2 major projects:
Illegal shooting and trapping of birds passing through the Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are known for their pristine beaches and breathtaking scenery. Hundreds of thousands of tourists choose to vacation here every year. Little do they know that just above the modern resorts and beaches lies a killing zone for thousands of birds.
Together with HOS, Champions of the Flyway 2016 will highlight the situation on two of the biggest tourist islands – Santorini and Zakynthos. These islands host thousands of tourists at any given moment.
Large numbers of Turtle Doves and Quail are harvested as they migrate through these islands. The Turtle Dove was once a common breeding species in Greece, but sadly it has declined so rapidly only a few breeding pairs now remain.
The islanders use a variety of methods to shoot birds and trap them, all illegal and with utter disregard to any laws. One of the most common methods is called “The lakes”; where a bait bird in a cage is placed in the middle of a puddle of water, attracting other birds to run the gauntlet.
Illegal trapping of small songbirds for the cage bird black market
Cage birds are a big deal in Greece. Many finches and other small birds are regularly collected in great numbers by poachers all over Greece. There are many methods used to catch them and all are gruesome and illegal!
Wild birds are regularly sold online and in markets all over Greece, including the famous “underground” market in Athens and even more openly in pet shops in Athens too. As part of the conservation action we will target the poachers on the ground but we also aim to work with the city of Athens to stop the illegal trade.
Please follow us on Facebook or Twitter to stay tuned with the Knight’s quest. If you want to make a donation to help the cause, please do it here. Every euro/dollar/pound/ruble helps!
Marc Guyt, Gert Ottens & Martijn Verdoes
Racing for conservation!
Marc Guyt
Marc Guyt is a Dutch photographer and owner of birds & nature stock agency AGAMI. A Wanderer by birth, Marc has always made his way to the door searching for new adventures. Even at three years old he sneaked out and left his parents searching and they usually found him somewhere near an open area or some water edge. The need to see for himself was strong. The combination of Birding, photographing and travelling has brought him to many stunning places on this beautiful globe, and it will bring him no doubt in many more. It is in his blood. Owner of Dutch stock agency www.agami.nl.
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