Another group of birds in the network are birds of prey: short-eared owls (Asio flammeus Pontoppidan, 1763), common buzzards (Buteo buteo Linnaeus, 1758), western marsh harriers (Circus aeruginosus Linnaeus, 1758), hen harriers (Circus cyaneus Linnaeus, 1766), and Montagu’s harriers (Circus pygargus Linnaeus, 1758). These species are relevant in the European bird directive and are threatened by the decline in breeding habitats in Belgium and the Netherlands. The information collected by the trackers can be used to better understand their breeding and migration behavior and to define new conservation strategies. 

The birds of prey (e.g. western Marsh harriers) are threatened in the EU by the decrease of breeding habitats and are therefore strictly protected (Bird Directive). Many rodent specialised birds of prey are experiencing a significant decline in their breeding ranges in Flanders and the Netherlands, with a shift from breeding in reed beds to grain fields. This trend has critical implications for conservation objectives. A considerable portion of the population now nests and ranges outside the designated Birds Directive areas, residing in agricultural land. To scientifically assess the impact of these environmental changes, tagging birds offers an efficient method to gather detailed data on their home ranges and land use over time and space. This method not only records and stores crucial information but also allows for tracking migration behavior, filling a vital gap in our understanding of the species' life cycle. 

Populations of wading birds (Eurasian oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus Linnaeus, 1758), Eurasian curlews (Numenius arquata Linnaeus, 1758) and Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia Linnaeus, 1758) are decreasing tremendously, and little is known about their habitat use and migration behaviour in Belgium and the Netherlands. Having a better understanding of their movements will enable effective protection measures.  

Relevant publications