BirdGuides

26 World of Birds • 2023 www.birdguides.com MIGRATION Isthmus of Panama The Isthmus of Panama is a land bridge that connects North America to South America – and is one of the greatest places on Earth to experience the spectacle of migration. Millions of migrating hawks and vultures pass over the isthmus every year and it is in fact the third-largest site for raptor migration in the world, after Veracruz and Eilat. With plenty of thermals, Panama’s lowlands o er the best conditions for raptors during their migration. The greatest autumn numbers peak in late October and early November. The numbers are tallied each year by dedicated counters, organised by the Panama Audubon Society. Cerro Ancon is the largest count site in Panama, with Panama City’s towering skyscrapers in view nearby. Passerine migration STEVE ARLOW The Eilat Mountains (below) offer a prime position to watch hundreds of thousands of migrating raptors, waterbirds and passerines, including Levant Sparrowhawks (above). can be spectacular too, with Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Wood Pewee, Dickcissel and Scarlet Tanager passing through on their journeys to and from South America. Col d’Organbidexka, France Situated in the Pyrenees, Col d’Organbidexka pass is one of the most famous spots in Europe to observe migratory birds. Located at 1,238 m above sea level, more than 200 species have been recorded flying over the pass, most of them on their way to or from Africa. Migratory raptors are a particular highlight – Black Kite, European Honey Buzzard, Osprey and Short- toed Snake Eagle can pass through in astonishing numbers. Huge day counts of Common Swift are also achieved annually – some 15,000 were counted in July 2019 – while larger migrants that move over the mountains en masse include Black and White Storks and Common Crane. Many passerines use the flyway as well, especially finches – a bumper count of 37,895 Cha nches was logged migrating south on 16 October 2022. ■ JAMES HANLON