By Eden Ravecca, Boise State Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD Student
It’s not every day that you get to embark on an adventure that feels like a dream. I had the privilege of working as an International Research Intern with IBO and the Spanish bird conservation organization, Fundación Migres, at a site in one of the world’s most important migratory flyways.
If I could sum up my six-week internship in Tarifa, Spain, it would be an experience that redefined the way I see the world.
It was an unforgettable journey in a place where the Atlantic Ocean cozies up to the Mediterranean Sea and where European Bee-eaters serenade the skies.
The Vibrant Energy of Tarifa
Tarifa is a town where the energy is as vibrant as the Mediterranean sun. Tarifa by day, is a lively coastal town with a beachy vibe, offering an atmosphere that invites you to live in the moment. As the sun sets, the town undergoes a beautiful transformation. Its quaint, cobbled streets, steeped in history, come to life with live Spanish music, while the town’s culinary scene blossoms into a haven of delicious food and drinks.
The skies of Tarifa were a spectacle and nothing short of magical.
At any given moment there were thousands of soaring birds circling above or migrating in masses over the Strait of Gibraltar. The nights were equally enchanting; I counted migrating birds as they passed in front of the moon during a full-moon night survey and regularly heard the evening melodies of Tawny Owls and Little Owls.
Collaboration with Fundación Migres
The awesome people I had the pleasure of working with in Tarifa were one of the brightest highlights of this experience. The scientists at Fundación Migres were so welcoming and generous with their immense knowledge. Their expertise, from the local systems to the evolutionary ecology of the area’s flora and fauna, was mind-blowing.
We delved deep into ecological relationships, I learned about the modern challenges faced by local wildlife, and explored the wide-ranging conservation efforts happening in southern Spain. One of the most fascinating topics I learned about was on the intricate evolution of migration, exploring the drivers of migratory behavior on both geological and contemporary time scales.
Guided by the local scientists, each day was like stepping into a world of endless discovery.
The work I did over the course of my internship was diverse and exciting. It began on Isla de Tarifa, the southernmost point of Spain and the European continent.
This island was a peaceful outdoor “office”, with views of Morocco in the distance.
I counted shearwaters, seabirds, cetaceans, and whales that migrate along the strait between the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
As the weeks went on, I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of research work, including monitoring a supplemental feeding station for Egyptian Vultures and contributing to the reintroduction projects for Osprey and Spanish Imperial Eagles.
I also worked on some of the long-term projects, including counting the mesmerizing river of Black Kites, White Storks, Short-toed Snake Eagles, and Booted Eagles that migrate across the Strait of Gibraltar on their way south to winter in Africa.
The field work I enjoyed most involved banding Black Kites and documenting their molt patterns.
These stunning birds, often overlooked because of their generalist nature, are not just common; they’re magnificent and strange, and successful because of their ability to adapt to a variety of different habitats.
Reflecting on the Tarifa Experience
Reflecting on my time in Tarifa, I can’t help but marvel at how much I learned in those six weeks. But this internship was not just a learning experience; it was a cultural immersion.
A life-changing adventure, where every day was a new opportunity to be amazed by the wonders of the natural world.
The mix of nature and culture, the incredible people I met, and the beauty of this unique corner of the old world have left an indelible mark on me. The town of Tarifa was a learning environment like no other – a place full of history and charm, where the skies came alive, and where the magic of southern Spain replenished my soul.
This article is part of our 2023 end of the year newsletter! View the full newsletter here, or click “older posts” below to read the next article.
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