The end of summer is here. The days are gradually getting shorter, and once again, the colonies of Lesser Kestrels are buzzing with activity. The birds gather, call to one another, fly and chase each other, and their voices can once again be heard around the colonies. At first glance, it seems as though something is taking them back to that springtime mood, when everything was about courtship, territory, and new life.
But this time, it is different. The young birds have already grown up. The breeding season is behind them, and ahead of the kestrels lies the long journey to their wintering grounds.
This unusual burst of activity in autumn is known in some bird species as autumn vocal and territorial activity. It can include singing, displays, chasing and other behaviours reminiscent of spring. One possible explanation is seasonal hormonal change, which may once again “switch on” some of the behavioural mechanisms we associate with spring. An important signal triggering these changes is the shortening of the days. This does not mean, however, that the birds are entering a new breeding season.
And perhaps, if we allow ourselves a little imagination, the colony simply needs a little more time together.
A few more noisy flights.
A few more encounters in the air.
A little more bustle before the farewell.
Or perhaps their little way of thanking the “Life for the Lesser Kestrel” LIFE19 NAT/BG/001017 project for all the care and dedication. Because soon, the sky above the colony will grow quieter. The Lesser Kestrels will head south, and all that will remain behind is the memory of a summer spent together.
And next year, when the first birds return, the story will begin all over again. Sometimes nature does not say “goodbye”. It simply reminds us that every encounter has its season.
But this time, it is different. The young birds have already grown up. The breeding season is behind them, and ahead of the kestrels lies the long journey to their wintering grounds.
This unusual burst of activity in autumn is known in some bird species as autumn vocal and territorial activity. It can include singing, displays, chasing and other behaviours reminiscent of spring. One possible explanation is seasonal hormonal change, which may once again “switch on” some of the behavioural mechanisms we associate with spring. An important signal triggering these changes is the shortening of the days. This does not mean, however, that the birds are entering a new breeding season.
And perhaps, if we allow ourselves a little imagination, the colony simply needs a little more time together.
A few more noisy flights.
A few more encounters in the air.
A little more bustle before the farewell.
Or perhaps their little way of thanking the “Life for the Lesser Kestrel” LIFE19 NAT/BG/001017 project for all the care and dedication. Because soon, the sky above the colony will grow quieter. The Lesser Kestrels will head south, and all that will remain behind is the memory of a summer spent together.
And next year, when the first birds return, the story will begin all over again. Sometimes nature does not say “goodbye”. It simply reminds us that every encounter has its season.
