Page 5 - Agostini_2005
P. 5
June 2005 Letters 185
Tyrrhenian Sea
Ustica
Marettimo
Strait of
Cap Bon Sictiy Messina
Tunisia
200 km
Libya
Figure 1. The Channel of Sicily in the central Mediterranean area.
for differences between the 1970s and the more recent data include: (1) numbers of broad-winged raptors (eagles,
buteos, vultures), and of Black Kites, may have measurably declined in recent years and (2) a climatic shift may have
occurred possibly making water crossings more difficult. However, when comparing counts made at the Strait of
Messina between 1986—90 and 1996-2000 (Table 1), I noted a substantial increase in the case of Honey Buzzards,
Marsh Harriers (Circus a^^ginosus), and Black Kites. This comparison suggests, for at least these species, that water
crossings have not become more difficult in recent years.
Counts involving Short-toed Eagles made at the Cap Bon Promontory by Thiollay were recently cited by Ferguson-
