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The 10th National Eagle Census was organized by MME/Birdlife in collaboration with Directorates of National Parks and other NGOs. 298 people have participated in this year’s Eagle Count. The survey covered about 18.500 square-kilometers, including the most important Eagle wintering habitats. Monitoring of the Great Bustards was done parallel with that of the raptors.
Main results of the Eagle Censuses between 2004-2013
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
„Eagle density” results between 2007-2013
(Sources: MME Monitoring Center).
This year’s totals are as follow: 591 White-tailed Eagles, 182 Eastern Imperial Eagles, five Golden Eagles, four Greater Spotted Eagles. Observers counted 530 White-tailed Eagles, 230 Eastern Imperial Eagles, seven Golden Eagles and four Greater Spotted Eagles on a survey area of 11.000 square-kilometers, which means that the density of our two commonest Eagles species somewhat decreased. Number of the highly vulnerable Imperial Eagles were lower than last year, despite that the area covered has grown by one and a half.
Nature conservationists have also monitored the numbers of the Great Bustard in most of the survey areas. Altogether, 439 Great Bustards were observed during the Census. As one could expect, Common Buzzards were the most abundant (2745 inds), yet, it means a decrease compared to last year. Observers also counted 313 Hen Harriers (2012: 997), 203 Common Kestrels (2012: 679), 134 Sparrowhawks (2012: 121), 94 Rough-legged Buzzards (2012: 316), 20 Sakers (2012: 42), 27 Merlins (2012: 28), 22 Peregrines (2012: 17), 18 Goshawks (2012: 17) and 3 Long-legged Buzzards (2012: 13). Although, Marsh Harriers rarely overwinter in Hungary, 18 birds were seen during the Census this year.
Several reasons could cause the experienced decrease in their numbers. Comparison between years is difficult due to differences in the weather and the characteristics of new survey areas. However, one should bear in mind that habitat degradation and bird-crime, in which Hungary is a “leader” within the EU, can also affect birds of prey species.
White-tailed Eagle observations – 10th Eagle Censust
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
Eastern Imperial Eagle observations - 10th Eagle Census
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
Golden Eagle observations – 10th Eagle Census
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
Greater Spotted Eagle observations – 10th Eagle Census
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
Common Buzzard observations – 10th Eagle Census
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
Hen Harrier observations – 10th Eagle Census
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
Saker Falcon observations – 10th Eagle Census
(Source: MME Monitoring Center).
We would like to thank all our volunteers, members of the MME and the associates of the National Parks for their hard work!