Avian migration

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Bird migration has captivated researchers for centuries, with its study tracing back to Aristotle, the founder of scientific ornithology, who meticulously observed avian movements. However, it wasn't until the reign of Friedrich II in the 13th century that reliable data began to emerge. The establishment of the Vogelwarte Rossitten marked a significant milestone as the world's first ornithological observation station, leading to systematic studies of bird migration. This initiative gained momentum with large-scale bird-ringing experiments initiated by Johannes Thienemann in 1903, inspired by C. C. M. Mortensen's pioneering work. The 1920s saw further advancements with William Rowan's experiments on photoperiodicity in Canada and Thienemann's retention and release studies in the 1930s, which focused on migratory bird orientation. Following World War II, migration research not only continued in established areas but also branched into new fields, including radar ornithology, ecophysiology, hormonal control mechanisms, and studies on evolution, genetics, and telemetry. The evolution of this research reflects the growing complexity and depth of our understanding of bird migration.