Editorial

This Autumn edition of the Ali is a little later than usual but the reason has much in common with one of the items in this issue. We have just returned from another holiday in one of our favourite places in Europe – the French Pyrenees, where the bird watching can be spectacular. Raptors are particularly numerous in September which is the tail end of the autumn migration and we joined the French group who monitor and record the passage of these birds through the Col de Soulor. On a busy day it is easy to become blasé after counting Egyptian Vultures, Honey Buzzards, Black Kites, Black Storks, Booted and Short-toed Eagles as well as various harriers. There are also the common resident Griffon Vultures which hardly cause a stir but, then, there is a cry and the group all turn to see the bird just found – a majestic Lammergeier, or Bearded Vulture, not difficult to find in these mountains but every sighting is a special event.

It is heartening to read the account of the reintroduction of this wonderful bird into the Alps and I’m sure that all in LIPU will wish this project every success.

Contents

• Lammergeiers in the Alps
• Rice and the Night Heron
• Natura 2000 sites threatened
• Brabbia Marsh nature reserve

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