We are excited to welcome our new Writing-Up Fellow, Erica Calabretta, to the KLI. Erica is an ecologist completing her PhD at the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, where she studies how non-breeding ecological conditions affect spring migration in wild birds along the Central Mediterranean corridor. She holds a Bachelor's in Natural Sciences and a Master's in Ecology and Biology from the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” and brings diverse international research experience from Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Austria.

During her fellowship at the KLI, from 15 October 2025 to 14 April 2026, Erica will work on her project, “Birds in Two Worlds: Carry-Over Effects of Environmental and Winter Conditions on Spring Migration Ecology.” This project integrates empirical research into a novel conceptual framework that views spring migration as both an individual and a community-level ecological process. Erica will investigate how the timing, physiology, and co-occurrence of multiple migratory bird species during pre-breeding migration are influenced by non-breeding ecology in sub-Saharan regions and by weather conditions experienced during sea crossings.

Here's wishing Erica a productive time at the KLI!