In the lush expanse of Havana's Botanical Garden, University of Havana professor Daniela Ventura pulls in her net, capturing a migratory catbird. This gray bird, adorned with a black cap, becomes another vital data point in a groundbreaking project aiming to uncover the wintering patterns of North American migratory birds in Cuba.
Ventura and her team meticulously record observations—species, weight, and body fat estimates—to build a comprehensive picture of these birds' lives beyond their North American breeding grounds. \"We know a lot about their ecology in the breeding zone, but very little about what happens in their wintering zone,\" Ventura explains.
The research faces significant challenges due to the longstanding U.S. embargo on Cuba, which hinders scientific collaboration. However, Lourdes Mugica, an ornithologist involved in the project, emphasizes the birds' indifference to political barriers. \"Birds don't understand embargoes or geographic borders; they don't need a visa to enter our country,\" she remarks.
Despite these obstacles, Cuban and Canadian scientists have made remarkable strides. Partnering with Environment and Climate Change Canada, they have installed Cuba's first radio telemetry antenna under the international MOTUS tracking program. This technology allows them to follow birds tagged in North America as they journey to Cuba. Recently, a Swainson's thrush tagged in British Columbia completed a 5,000 km migration, signaling the success of their efforts. \"We never thought we'd reach the level of sophistication we now enjoy,\" says Martin Acosta, a pioneering ornithologist in Cuba.
The dedication of these scientists is evident in their perseverance through logistical challenges, from outdated equipment to limited resources. Reflecting on her career, Mugica shares the personal toll of research, having lost significant weight during tougher times of scarcity in Cuba.
The project's successes offer hope for future international collaborations. Mugica and Acosta envision a time when political relations improve, enabling joint projects between the U.S. and Cuba that could further enrich our understanding of migratory patterns and support global conservation efforts.
\"To think these little birds, which weigh less than 10 grams, cross the sea and come back and survive is spectacular,\" Ventura muses. \"It's humbling to think that other living beings can perform these feats.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
