written by Fanni Takács
As the beginning of the spring field season approached at many of our study sites worldwide, we took a break for having a test run our research plans and prepare ourselves for the next months.
Prof Alejandro Perez Hurtado de Mendoza from Cadiz University was a great host of our enthusiastic team of thirteen. The training took place at Salinas de la Esperanza, near Cadiz, that is a safe shelter both for migrating waders and breeding shorebirds such as: Kentsih Plover (Charadrius alexandrius), Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta).
During this fieldwork camp we conducted surveys to practice five crucial aspects of the ÉLVONAL fieldwork protocol: nest search, behaviour observation, nest measurements, nest observation by trail cameras and trapping. By understanding our different backgrounds and challenges of each study site we were able to discuss how to avoid, solve and handle possible issues in the field. We had group discussion at the end of each day to find out more about how to improve our work as a team and an individual.
ÉLVONAL SHOREBIRD SCIENCE 