It is not only a migratory bird, but one of the last Asproparis birds on Epirus which truly steal the hearts of those who know its history.
Aoos is an adult Asproparis that was tagged with a satellite transmitter in April 2015 in the plain of Konitsa by the Hellenic Ornithological Society. It is a bird that travels a distance of about 6,000 kilometers every year, leaving Africa where it spends the winter to come to its preferred summer roost in the Konitsa area. Hence its name, which is synonymous with the river.
In recent years, Aoos sets off in early autumn for his wintering ground, which is in Chad in Africa. In spring, however, its beloved Epirus invites it. The bird has a satellite transmitter from which it can be tracked until it reaches its mainland home. From Africa it moves to the Middle East and then to the Balkans with a constant love for Konitsa, surprising everyone with the precision of its journey, so many thousands of kilometers to reach the same place every year. In about 40 days it crosses 8 countries and reaches its summer destination.
The Hellenic Ornithological Society has carried out actions in recent years to ensure the survival of the Asproparis in critical breeding areas throughout the country, such as the wider area of Epirus frequented by Aoos.
There is even a preferred feeding ground in the Konitsa area. According to Hellenic Ornithological Society, it was built in 2016 as part of the previous LIFE program for Asproparis, with the main purpose of ensuring that Aoos and his mate, as well as any other Asproparis passing through the area, have access to safe, poison-free food during the breeding or migration season.
