Grup d'Anellament de Calldetenes-Osona

It sounds odd, but the first members of GACO started as bird hunters. After several years they introduced the ringing technique in their activities, giving definitely up the hunting in 1983.

Calldetenes was the first place in Osona to hold the ringing of a wild bird. This happened in 1977, year considered as the beginning of the scientific ringing in Catalonia. From 1977 to 1985, GACO handled and ringed more than 5000 birds, always using home-made rings. Once GACO was included in the Catalan government's associations list, official rings were used.

Several years later, some GACO members promoted and founded the Catalan Ringing Group (formerly known as Catalan Ornithological Institute), a reference organization and with whom GACO collaborates.

GACO have ringed some uncommon species, such as cormorants, vultures, ravens, ducks, woodcocks, swifts, etc. This is information that we are proud to share.

GACO is an apolitical institution, which has always helped all these organizations or people eager on knowing about birds and ornithology.

So far, young –and not so young- generations joined the GACO, having the opportunity to study, protect and enjoy birds.