GONHS visits Notre Dame First School

In the latest in a series of visits to local schools, GONHS Raptor Unit’s section head, Vincent Robba, visited Notre Dame First School.

The star of the visit was undoubtedly the huge Eagle Owl, which often accompanies Vincent as an ‘avian ambassador’, whilst he explained how these owls hunt and the special aspects of their biology. This owl and other birds of prey are regularly used for educational purposes, to show children what it is that we are protecting. 

Vincent Robba from the Raptor Rehabilitation Unit

Vincent Robba from the Raptor Rehabilitation Unit

Vincent showing the teacher how to hold the Eagle Owl

Vincent showing the teacher how to hold the Eagle Owl

Vincent’s talk outlined the role that the GONHS Raptor Unit plays in Gibraltar, particularly its dedicated work with the rehabilitation of injured and downed raptors.  He also provided information on raptor migration over Gibraltar and across the Strait, providing exciting visuals to illustrate this.  Gibraltar has a breeding and wintering population of other birds of prey, such as the Peregrine Falcon, Lesser and Common Kestrels, Tawny and Little Owls.  These were also described as part of the talk.

 

Raptors play a key role in nature but also face threats throughout Europe and further afield, including habitat loss, poisoning and indiscriminate hunting. Local threats include downing and even predation (of Sparrowhawks in particular) by Yellow-legged Gulls, as well as collision with structures such as glass balconies, which most notably affects our Common Kestrels, a quite urban species that often become trapped behind the glass.

 

GONHS 2023 Outings Kick-off

GONHS 2023 Outings Kick-off

The first GONHS outing of 2023 was held on Saturday the 21st January.  Robert Perez led a sea-watch at Europa Point, from which attendees had an opportunity to see some of the seabirds that spend the winter in Gibraltar waters. 

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Arthur Harper LRPS - Obituary

Arthur Harper LRPS - Obituary

 

Lifetime President of the Gibraltar Photographic Society, Arthur Harper LRPS, passed away peacefully on 26thDecember.

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Gibraltar Bird Report 2021

Gibraltar Bird Report 2021

Welcome to the Gibraltar Bird Report 2021.

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OS 35 Incident

OS 35 Incident

OS 35 Incident 

The Bulk Carrier OS 35 was involved in a collision with the Adam LNG south of Europa Point on the evening of the 29th August. The OS 35 started to sink, and was directed by the Port Authorities to the East Side of the Rock, where it was decided to beach the vessel to prevent it sinking altogether.

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Birdlife Eurobirdwatch 22.  30th Anniversary

Birdlife Eurobirdwatch 22. 30th Anniversary

Birdlife Eurobirdwatch 22.  30th Anniversary

 

The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society will be celebrating the 22 edition of the Birdlife EuroBirdwatch on Saturday the 1st of October.

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Raptor Rescue

Raptor Rescue

The 25th May was specially hectic for the number of raptors that fell into the sea.  Most of these are young non-breeding and inexperienced birds that fall foul of windy conditions in the Strait.

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Sierra De Las Nieves Outing

Sierra De Las Nieves Outing


The Sierra de las Nieves outing was held on Saturday 21st May.  A good group of people attended and the weather was magnificent.

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Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, 1931-2022

Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, 1931-2022

Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, 1931-2022

 

GONHS notes with much sadness the passing of Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, Governor of Gibraltar 1993-1995 and Honorary Life Patron of the Society.

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