Havana, Cuba — In the heart of Havana’s Botanical Garden, a team of Cuban biologists is delving into the secrets of bird migration between North America and the Caribbean. Led by University of Havana professor Daniela Ventura, the researchers are capturing and studying migratory birds to understand their wintering habits in Cuba.
On a shaded forest trail, Ventura’s mist net quivers as it ensnares a gray catbird, identifiable by its distinctive black cap. Carefully extracting the bird from the nearly invisible mesh, Ventura calls out observations to her students, noting the species, weight, and body fat—a trove of data contributing to a project aiming to fill gaps in knowledge about these migratory species.
“We know a lot about their ecology in the breeding zones up north, but very little about what happens when they’re here in their wintering grounds,” Ventura explained.
The research faces challenges beyond the scientific. Political tensions and longstanding embargoes have complicated collaboration between Cuba and the United States, countries that share these migratory birds. Ornithologist Lourdes Mugica, a key organizer of the research, emphasizes that the birds transcend human-imposed boundaries.
“Birds don’t understand embargoes or geographic borders; they don’t need a visa to enter our country,” Mugica said. “I hope there comes a time when relations normalize so we can have joint projects.”
Despite these hurdles, the project has made significant strides through partnerships with international organizations. Collaborating with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the team has installed Cuba’s first radio telemetry antenna under the global tracking program MOTUS. This technology has already detected a tiny Swainson’s thrush, originally tagged in British Columbia, Canada—a testament to the birds’ remarkable 5,000-kilometer journey.
“We never thought we’d reach this level of sophistication,” said veteran ornithologist Martin Acosta. He and Mugica recall the difficulties faced during earlier decades, including scarce resources and limited technology.
Logistical challenges persist; outdated equipment and funding limitations often impede progress. Yet, the resilience of the researchers mirrors that of the birds they study. The catbird captured by Ventura had been previously banded at the same site months earlier. Data showed it had gained body fat in preparation for its impending migration north across the Gulf of Mexico.
“To think these little birds, weighing less than 10 grams, cross the sea and return is spectacular,” Ventura marveled. “It’s humbling to consider the extraordinary feats these creatures perform.”
This research not only illuminates the life cycles of migratory birds but also underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems across continents. The Cuban team’s dedication contributes valuable insights that benefit the global understanding of migratory patterns—a shared natural heritage that transcends political divisions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
