European Honey Buzzard completes 10,000km migration from South Africa to Finland in 42 days
A European Honey Buzzard equipped with a satellite tracking system has completed a remarkable migration journey from Reitz, Free State, South Africa to Finland.
Starting on April 20, 2020, the bird arrived in Finland on June 2, covering an astonishing distance of over 10,000 kilometres (6,213 miles) in just 42 days.
The tracking data, visualised through detailed imagery, revealed that the buzzard averaged more than 230 kilometres (150 miles) per day throughout its journey. The bird followed a mostly straight flight path north.
Notably, the buzzard made a detour near the Nile River's source, where it turned right and followed the river briefly before resuming its northward trajectory along its original longitudinal line.
The bird flew over countries like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Turkey, and Romania amongst others before reaching its final destination.
