Few weekends ago we organized two events, in Naples and in Rome, to discover urban biodiversity.
By combining two of the most successful new practices in Europe, urban trekking and birdwatching, with our activities we managed to make participants understand that, even a few steps from home, it is possible to benefit from contact with nature and observe a fair number of species.
In Rome, on Saturday, with the route between villas and monuments, we managed to observe and listen to some species of interest, including the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) and the Blue Rock Trush (Monticola solitarius). The presence of some pools of water, due to the rains of the past days, has created an attractive element for many passerines (Common Starling, Black Redstart, European Robin, European Serin, Common Chaffinch, White and Grey Wagtail) which, in a few square meters, were concentrated in large numbers.
Sunday, we had the opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating Neapolitan green areas, the Botanical Garden of Naples. Among palm trees and other exotic plants we managed to observe numerous species among those present in this period (15 in total).
In addition to the observation of birdlife, it was possible to talk about issues such as alien species and urban populations of Amphibians, Reptiles and Invertebrates.
On both days, participants of all ages, managed to witness hunting scenes by one of the most common birds of prey in the city: the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), making the walks even more compelling.
Common Kestrel. Photo by Ringo Iamunno
