Book
Birds migration in the Pyrénées mountains
In 1979, three ornithologists managed to rent a hunting stand on the Organbidexka pass, unbeknownst to the hunters: for the first time in history, by occupying the land to free the skies from gunfire, migratory birds were given a clear path to continue their journey south. Today, five passes are occupied annually by associations, naturalists, and scientists, mostly from July to November, to count the thousands of migratory birds that cross the Pyrenean passes.
This book project, initiated and written by Inés Hatton and illustrated by me, aims to preserve the heritage represented by the history of these five Pyrenean passes (Organbidexka, Lizarrieta, Lindux, Soulor, and Eyne) by recounting the events that have taken place there from the 1970s/80s to the present day in support of preserving life.
Where do we stand 45 years later? What has happened since the first occupation of the Organbidexka pass? What has happened on the other passes? Who are the people behind this story? These are some of the questions this book hopes to answer, albeit modestly. This work thus aspires to be the guardian of the history of the struggles for our living world that have unfolded over the past 45 years. A story of binoculars versus rifles, of flapping wings and gliding flights, of long years of peaceful struggle, of love, patience, perseverance and wonder renewed each year during the passage of migratory birds.
The writing of this book by Inés Hatton is an adventure in itself, encompassing research, investigation, and archiving of personal accounts, as well as the unpredictable challenges of publishing and the unfathomable wealth of observations, experiences, and stories these sites have accumulated over time. Thousands of birdwatchers, eco-volunteers, researchers, ornithologists, naturalists, curious visitors, novices, and experts have contributed, generation after generation. The preservation of our beloved migratory birds was, and remains, a collective endeavor, and the funding of this book is no exception.
If, like so many others, you wish to support this magnificent and long-awaited project, please visit the dedicated crowdfunding page. The birds and those who care for them will be grateful.
