Rafał Bobrek, Tomasz Wilk, Aleksandra Pępkowska-Król
Ornis Polonica 2017, 58: 160–177
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2017.3.1
Abstract: The paper presents the phenology and dynamics of migration, flock sizes and directions of passage of the Woodpigeon Columba palumbus in the Polish Carpathians and the influence of weather on the migration intensity. The bird migration was visually monitored in observation points in autumn 2011–2013 (28 points) and spring 2015 (12 points). Migrating birds were noted at each studied point, but they were more numerous on the periphery of the region. Spring migration lasted for at least 57 days (8th Mar–3rd May), and in the single location on average 18.7 ind./10 h of observation were recorded. The average and the largest flock size was 4.9 (SD=7.7; Me=2) and 52 birds, respectively. Autumn passage lasted for at least 90 days (14th Aug–11th Nov), and it was more intense – 57.1 ind./10 h of observation. An average flock consisted of 18.0 (SD=38.9; Me=3) and the largest of 497 birds. The passage was the most intensive in both seasons in the morning, but in spring also in the early afternoon. The spring migration volume was ca. 82% lower than autumn. In autumn, Woodpigeons migrated more frequently during good visibility and wind from N, NE or W, while in spring they selected medium and high cloud cover, light rain and moderate to strong wind, preferably from N or NW directions. They migrated with an almost equal frequency along NE–SW and N–S axes, but much less often along E–W axis. The high share of N–S axis suggests that many birds do not use the Continental, but the Mediterranean flyway. The autumn peak of migration – covering the period 28th Sep–15th Oct, i.e., is consistent with the dates of the most intensive passage in other parts of Poland and Central Europe, which may indicate that migration is synchronized over the vast part of the continent. Unlike in the autumn, the spring peak, falling in the third decade of March, differs regionally in Central Europe and is delayed while moving north and east.
Keywords: migration, migration flyways, mountains, phenology and dynamics of passage, wind, Woodpigeon Columba palumbus
