Ducks feed in staging areas before autumn migration

This part of the project aims for voluntary action to create a network of resting areas along the main migration routes.

Staging areas are particularly important in the autumn so that waterfowl would not be driven to migrate too soon when the hunting season starts at the same time in all parts of the country.

A good staging area offers an abundant supply of good-quality feed for the birds to replenish their nutrient reserves before migration.

In practice, staging areas may be arranged by postponing the start of the hunt or by imposing partial restrictions on hunting concerning a certain time period or location.

Funding under the SOTKA project may also be used to build wetlands nearby to compensate for such areas elsewhere.

Collaboration between the Finnish Hunters’ Association and Birdlife Finland is in a key position in creating staging areas in the SOTKA project.