Perhaps because hunting has been strictly prohibited for decades now, perhaps due to the existence of a certain level of control, and perhaps also due to the changed climatic conditions, the presence of birds, both marine and terrestrial, continues to be significant and important in the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.

The distribution foresees higher frequencies on the smaller islands, essentially isolated for nine months of the year, and lower on the two main islands, La Maddalena and Caprera, more frequented by man, by land and by sea, both in summer and winter.

Last Friday, biologist Antonella Gaio spoke with expertise and passion about the wonderful world of birds that inhabit the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park during a conference at the island's UTE. Her well-attended presentation was extensively supported by photographic documentation, much of it taken by the naturalist herself in the waters and islands of the archipelago: images of a colorful, incredibly vibrant, and active world.

A world that isn't necessarily sedentary, as various species, both aquatic and non-aquatic, come from distant lands to temporarily sojourn or stop over, before continuing on to other shores, far and very far away. The ringing system is crucial, allowing, through various monitoring methods, to track the birds' journeys, even over thousands of kilometers, and to understand their habits and lifestyles.

Numerous species populate and enrich the biodiversity of the sea and skies of La Maddalena National Park, from the most widespread to those present in smaller populations. From gulls (Audouin's, common, and yellow-legged gulls) to cormorants, cormorants, and Cory's shearwaters, to name a few among the marine species; from marsh harriers to peregrine falcons, from hoopoes to tawny owls, and from passerines to finches among the terrestrial species. Not to mention all the birds that pass through to rest and feed, thanks in part to the hunting ban. Observations, especially in recent years, have also revealed the presence and passage of rarely reported birds, such as flamingos and herons, or, some time ago, a stork that spent the night on the island of Caprera.