Destruction of the landscape, toxins, climate change, human-made obstacles, noise – today, migratory birds are under threat from a variety of elements. If that wasn’t enough, they must also contend with the fact that migratory bird hunting in southern Europe remains widespread.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds fly over the Col de l’Escrinet (Escrinet pass) in southern France. For years, hunting them was not only legal but undertaken with great zeal.
From death trap to quiet zone: Fondation Franz Weber decided to put an end to this disastrous situation for migratory birds and purchased the top of the pass Col de l’Escrinet in the Ardèche in 2001.
Peace has now returned to the spot where hunters previously lurked to bring down any birds flying overhead. The poachers have been replaced by ornithologists, nature lovers and environmentalists. Today, migratory birds are no longer shot down, but admired and counted.
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