22 December 2019

This 9-minute video, filmed on European merchant ships by Odysseas-Froilan Papageorgiou, provides a unique perspective on migratory birds.

Terrestrial birds that migrate over the ocean will land on ships to rest and refuel, especially during bad weather. Some birds are exhausted by the time they land. The ships are lit at night and attract insects that are eaten by songbirds. The songbirds attract birds of prey and shrikes.

The video showcases 70 species seen during European voyages. Each half of the video is in (mostly) taxonomic order. My favorites are the birds of prey and a colorful bird that was new to me — the black-headed bunting. Don’t miss the Eurasian kestrel, the hobby, the peregrine and the long-eared owl.

Best Bird is saved for the end!