Empowering Ornithologists Across the Flyway: EUFLYNET Training Schools 2025

Joanna Białas
Jul 7
2 min read

Ringing, learning, connecting – EUFLYNET in Morocco

The EUFLYNET Training School in Kénitra, Morocco took place from 14th to 18th April 2025 as part of Action 2 of the EUFLYNET COST Action, which focuses on building the capacity of researchers along the flyway, ensuring equal opportunities and skills to study land migratory birds.

During this training school, we focused on bird ringing, moult and sexing, as well as bird census techniques and study design, offering both theoretical and practical sessions to 25 students from Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The activities took place at the stunning Sidi Boughaba site on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

Huge thanks to the expert Marc Illa (Institut Català d'Ornitologia), Alejandro Onrubia and Isabel Caminal Fathke (Fundación Migres), who trained in bird ringing, to Sandra Goded who covered bird census and study design, and to the local organisers for making it all possible. The incredibly friendly atmosphere among students and trainers, and the knowledge shared during those days in such a beautiful setting, made the experience truly unforgettable.

A Week of R, Birds and Science in Milan!

From 1st to 5th July 2025, we had the pleasure of attending the “Statistics in R for Ornithology” training school at Università degli Studi di Milano – a part of the EUFLYNET COST Action focused on enhancing skills in data analysis for bird research across Europe.

The event brought together participants from various countries and career stages, all keen to deepen their understanding of statistical methods used in ornithological studies. The hybrid format allowed both in-person and online attendees to benefit from the program, which covered data visualization, generalized linear models, spatial analysis, and model interpretation – all through the powerful and versatile R environment.

The training started with warm welcomes from the organizers – Roberto Ambrosini, Alessandra Costanzo, and Emanuele Crepet – and quickly moved into hands-on sessions. Lectures were engaging, practical, and tailored to real ecological datasets, allowing participants to learn not only theory but also its direct application in ornithology.

The friendly atmosphere, excellent organization, and enthusiasm of both trainers and trainees made the week truly productive and enjoyable. We also had plenty of opportunities for discussion, networking, and of course, a bit of bird talk in between code chunks.

Thanks to everyone who made this possible, and especially to the local organizing team in Milan for their hospitality and professionalism!