Issue 2017-1

Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 1–11

Changes in the abundance of waterbirds in the Narew and the Bug Valleys

Zbigniew Kasprzykowski, Adam Dmoch, Artur Goławski, Radosław Kozik, Cezary Mitrus

Abstract: This paper presents the results of waterbird counts performed in lower basins of the Bug (1993, 2011) and the Narew River Valleys (1998–1999, 2015). These sites are recognised as Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive of Natura 2000 network. Numbers of 21/22 species (in the Narew and Bug River Valley, respectively) declined throughout the study period, of 11species increased in both areas, while 2/1 species did not show any temporal trend. Strong population increase in both areas has been found for the Gadwall Anas strepera, European Crane Grus grus, Mute Swan Cygnus olor and Greylag Goose Anser anser. The most important declines were found in the Narew Valley for the Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Redshank Tringa totanus, Ringed Plover Charadrius hiati­cula, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula and Common Pochard A. ferina. Opposite trends in the two areas were found for the Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus whose populations increased in the Narew Valley and decreased in the Bug Valley. The most significant declines were found for species associated with riverbeds, meadows and pastures. The least abundant species was the Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus, whose confirmed broods were recorded at the end of the 20th century. The majority of species inhabiting old river-beds showed an increasing trend. Trends of most species found in the study areas corresponded with national trends. The most important factors affecting waterbird declines were changes in management of breeding habitats, and the increase in predation and human penetration.

Key words: waterbirds, abundance trends, river valleys, Bug river, Narew river

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Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 12–25

Current status and population trends of selected bird species breeding in the Warta Valley in the Rogaliński Landscape Park

Natalia Królikowska

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to assess the number of breeding bird species inhabiting an open landscape of the river valley within the Rogaliński Landscape Park, as well as population trends of some species based on historical data. The breeding bird species of the Warta River Valley between Śrem and Mosina (37 km2) were surveyed in 2012–2013. General linear mixed models were applied to calculate the population trends. Sixteen bird species listed in an Appendix 1 of the Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds bred in the study area, indicating its high importance for protection of birds associated with river valleys (nesting of 0.5% of the national breeding population of Black Tern Chlidonias niger and 1% of Black Kite Milvus migrans national breeding population). All ten bird species showed negative population trends during the last 50 years, and two species (Ruff Calidris pugnax and Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa) has become extinct. Negative trends for breeding bird populations were most likely caused by permanent anthropogenic landscape transformations during the last 50 years (area leveling and the decline of oxbow area), changes in agriculture practices associated with the loss of typical river valley habitats. Furthermore, the creation of the Jeziorsko Reservoir resulted in the disappearance of spring flooding and unnatural fluctuation of water level in the Warta River.

Key words: Rogaliński Landscape Park, shorebirds, abundance trends, decline of population, river valley birds

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Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 26–34

Decline of the Bluethroat Luscinia svecica population in the Jezioro Karaś nature reserve

Grzegorz Neubauer, Piotr Zieliński, Jakub Typiak, Artur Niemczyk

Abstract: The paper presents results of a recent estimate of the Bluethroat population in the Jezioro Karaś nature reserve (N Poland), formerly one of the most important breeding areas of the species in Poland. The population size in the reserve was estimated at 120 pairs in the early 1990s, and at 75–90 pairs in mid 1990s. In 2015 three surveys were performed in May–June, covering most (May) or the whole (June) area containing habitats suitable for the species. Most of the reserve area comprises habitats currently inadequate for Bluethroat due to drainage and ongoing plant succession. Except for a single male, all Bluethroats occupied a narrow belt of willow Salix spp. rushes between the lake water table and alder carrs surrounding the lake. Only 9 and 7 males were recorded during the surveys in May and June, respectively. After correcting for an imperfect detection, the population size has been optimistically estimated at 10 males (95% confidence intervals: 7–30), indicating the drastic decline since the 1990s.

Key words: Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica, Karaś Lake, population size, decline

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Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 35–43

Avian influenza dangerous zoonosis transmitted by free-living birds – history and current status

Marian Flis

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Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 44–52

First record of the Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus in Poland and some notes on its identification

Marcin Faber, Tomasz Cofta

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Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 52–54

The House Martin Delichon urbicum occupies an active nest of the Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Kamil Kryński

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Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 55–57

Flousek J., Gramsz B., Telenský T. 2015. Ptaki Karkonoszy – atlas ptaków lęgowych 2012–2014. Správa KRNAP Vrchlabí, Dyrekcja KPN, Jelenia Góra, pp. 480

Romuald Mikusek

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Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 58–59

Mystery bird 86

Jan Lontkowski

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