Apuane Alps

The natural setting of the site
Located in north-western Italy (Tuscany), the main observation point used during both spring and autumn is Capriglia (Pietrasanta, Lucca), along the western slope of the mountain chain, about 5 km inland of the Tyrrhenian coast (43°58’2.6”N, 10°14’22.8”E, 378 m a.s.l.).

The migration survey
In both seasons the commonest species are the Short-toed Snake Eagle, the Honey Buzzard and the Booted Eagle. Here, eagles move along an extremely detoured route but flying in opposite directions. In particular, Short-toed Snake Eagles belonging to the populations breeding in central-southern Italy, head south in spring and north in autumn, while Booted Eagles (mostly juveniles belonging to the Spanish population) head south in autumn and north in spring.

How to get there?
The closest airport is in Pisa while the closer train station is in Pietrasanta (LU).

Contacts
MEDRAPTORS (Mediterranean Raptor Migration Network)

Main references

  • Premuda, G., Belosi, A., Viviani, F. & Franchini, M. 2015. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus population monitoring at the Apuane Alps migration watch-site (Tuscany). Avocetta 39:5 –12.
  • Panuccio M., Agostini N. & Premuda G. 2012. Ecological barriers promote risk minimisation and social learning in migrating Short-toed Snake Eagles. Ethology Ecology & Evolution, 24:74-80.
  • Premuda G., Baghino L., Guillossont T., Jardin M., Tirado Bernat M. & Esteller Turlo V., 2007- A remarkable case of circuitous autumn migration of the Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus through the western and central Mediterranean. Ardeola 54: 349-357.
  • Agostini N., Baghino L., Panuccio M., Premuda G. & Provenza N. 2004. The autumn migration strategies of juvenile and adult Short-toed Eagles (Circaetus gallicus) in the Central Mediterranean. Avocetta 28: 37-40.
  • Agostini N., Baghino L., Coleiro C., Corbi F. & Premuda G. 2002. Circuitous autumn migration in the Short- toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). Journal of Raptor Research 36: 111-114.
  • Agostini N., Baghino L., Panuccio M. & Premuda G. 2002. A conservative strategy in migrating Short-toed Eagles (Circaetus gallicus). Ardeola 49: 287-291.