Armindo Veiga form Portugal (European Solidarity Corps volunteer)

 During my stay in this project, I had the chance to participate in a multitude of activities, some already planned by the SBT team, others appearing because of an unexpected opportunity. This particular one was the second case, during a dinner with the team of Dadia.

One of the field studies that I love in the fascinating world of birds is without a doubt scientific ringing. This activity not only helps me to get a better understanding of these animals but also has allowed me, from a personal point of view, to overcome certain challenges in my life.

During the dinner I was able to meet Eli (Elisabeth Navarrete), this incredible and kind Spanish ringer that saw the interest I have for scientific ringing. Without even wasting time she put me in contact with the coordinator of the Antikythera Bird Observatory Christos Barboutis, an extremely experienced ringer with a lot of patience and love for the work he does.

The conversations went smoothly and, in May, I did my trip to the island of Antikythera. In there, I was able to participate in the ringing sessions for the spring migration. It was an amazing experience, everyday birds in my hands, a new piece of information to learn about them, a full team of volunteers and ringers that shared the same passion. Without needing to say, during that month I felt fulfilled.

From learning how the shrikes bite (Lanius senator and Lanius collurio), and believe me, they do bite and hard, to the magnificent colours of the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), or the calmness that brings me to hold and see different types of swallows (Hirundo rustica, Delichon urbicon and Riparia riparia) and the list is endless.

In conclusion I can really say that I’m glad for this opportunity to have landed on my hands, and more that, to not let it escape. There is a Portuguese saying that states «Mais vale um pássaro na mão que dois a voar». This directly translated means «it’s better to have one bird in our hands than two flying», and my interpretation is «to be happy with what we have and to take the opportunities when we get them, because if we wait too long, they may fly away».