written by dr Vojtech Kubelka

This camp was organised and lead by Dr Vojtech Kubelka and the scientific team of Turov ringing station, Belarus: Dr Natalia Karlionova, Evgenya Lunchik, Viacheslav Khursanov.

With the participation of Triin Kaasiku (Estonia), Anastazia Kuzmiankova (Belarus), José Valdebenito (Chile), Emilien Genetier (France) the training camp was successful and very instructive for the whole team. Turov Meadow is a great breeding site for shorebirds. During a normal year more than 100 nests can be found of Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), Redshank (Tringa totanus) and a decent number of Great Snipe (Gallinago media) as well.

We believe it to be crucial to practice the ÉLVONAL Fieldwork protocol to clarify possible difficulties and answer questions that only occur during fieldwork. This training week was a great opportunity even if the weather was not too gracious most of the time.