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Nechaev:Distribution of wadersduring migration at SakhalinIsland

Distribution of during migration at Sakhalin Island V.A. Nechaev

Nechaev,V.A. 1998.Distribution of wadersduring migration at SakhalinIsland. International Studies 10: 225-232.

During18 years of explorations in different parts of Sakhalin island large concentrations of migratingwaders have been found on the coasts of shallow bays and at the coastal lakes. The main areasof suchconcentrations are the coasts of AnivaBay (Lososei Bay), of Terpeniyaand Mordvinovabays, and the Nevskoye and Lebyazhye lakes in southernSakhalin; the row of bays on theSea of Okhotskcoast at thenortheast, and along the Tatarsky strait and the Amur estuaryat the southwestof theisland. Inland migration is poorly expressed. Spring migrations at southern Sakhalinare most intense in thelast third of May,while in thenorthern part of theisland migration finishes10-15 days later. For most wader the main direction of springmovements is northwards,but some other species migrate to thenortheast. In autumn, follow similar routesbut in oppositedirections. The total length of the migration period is about one month in spring,and about four months in summerand autumn. In thepeak of spring migration the maximumnumber of wadersper 3 krnof coastis 2,000- 8,000birds. Summer - autumnmovements takeplace from late June to October; in Julythe concentrations ofwaders reach 2,000 - 5,000birds.

V.A.Nechaev, Institute of Biology and Pedology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy ofSciences, prospectStoletiya, 159, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.

He•aes,B. A. •998. Pa½•ipoc?paHeH•e zya•zos s •[ep•oACe3OHHblX •mrpa•I•i Ha OC?pOBe CaxanMH.International Wader Studies 10: 000-000.

Introduction summarizeresults obtained during 18 yearsof ornithologicalstudies on Sakhalin. SakhalinIsland is oneof the areaswhere large concentrationof waderswintering in south-eastern Asiaand Australia, and breeding in northernparts Study areaand methods of the Far East are recorded. Data on seasonal SakhalinIsland (Figure 1) stretchesnorth to south aspectsof waderdistribution there are rather scarce for nearly1,000 kin. Its southern,south-eastern and andonly fragmentary information on the datesof south-westerncoasts are mostly steep and rocky migrationhas been published for severalspecies with sandyor rockybeaches. The north-eastern and (Nikolsky1889; Yamashina 1927, 1928; Gizenko north-westerncoasts are low-lying with numerous 1955;Voronov & Voronov1980). In this paperwe shallowbays and lagoonsof brackishwater. Tides

225 International Wader Studies 10: 225-232

migrationwas studiedin 1976,1979-1981, 1983-1991 at the coastof the Aniva Bay (LososeiBay; where Neurtu Bay wadersconcentrate mostly on 3 km of mudflats),in Sakhalin Ba 1977at the coastof TerpeniyaBay (theVladimirovka Bay river mouth; at least 3 km suitable mudflats), in 1978at the shoreof theAinskoye Lake. Summer and springobservations were conductedin different yearsat LososeiBay; at the north-easterncoast StudyArea (Nabilsky;Nyisky; Dagy, Chaivo, Piltun, Urkt, Kolendu,Tront Bays etc.), on the northwesterncoast (Viakhtu,Tyk, Baikal,Pomr Bays etc.), and on the northerncoast (Shmidt peninsula) of the island. Waderswere countedby binoculars(x 8) on Strait Okhotsk constantroutes (1, 3, 5 km with 50 m transects)on Sea foragingareas and roosts- mostlyalong the coast. Specieswhose numbers exceeded 300. km -I were considered as numerous, from 100-300. km -• - as '[ Nevskoye common, from 20-100. km -• - as scarce, and from 5 - 20 km-I (andnot everyyear) - asrare.

Results In total 53 wader specieswere recordedon Sakhalin, 32 of thembeing migratory; only 15 beingboth migrantsand breedingspecies, and sixbeing vagrants.The latterspecies, i.e. Dotterel Charadrius morindlus,Grey-headed Lapwing Microsarcops cinereus,Pectoral melanotos, Jack SnipeLymnocryptes minimus, Swinhoes •{:• •,•Lebyazhye vinovaLakeBay Gallinagomegala and Long-billedDowitcher Limnodromusscolopaceus arenot analysedin this paper.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Grey PloverPluvialis squatarola is a common migratingspecies. Spring migration takes place in Figure1. The main areasholding concentrations of May - c. 10June, mostly in the secondhalf of May. migratorywaders on SakhalinIsland. Birdsoccur in flocks,usually of 5 to 10,rarely of 50 arehighest at the northernpart of the islandand to 100. At LososeiBay the earliest first Grey Plover reach2.1-2.3 m, while at Aniva and TerpeniyaBays were recordedon 22 April (1992). On 30 May 1979 they do not exceed1.5-1.6 m, and on the south- at the sameplace, about 300 birds were counted on westerncoast are only 0.5 m (Komsomolsky& Siryk a 3 km route. Summer-autumnmigration lasts from 1967). In the baysof northernSakhalin the lateJuly to the middle of October:flocks of 3-10 intertidal area stretches for 500 to 800 m offshore Grey Ploverswere recordedon 23 July 1987at Tront and for tensof kilometersalong the shore. Bay;on 29 July 1989,8 Augustand 18 August 1980 at LososeiBay (Aniva Bay). At the latter area,50 The climateof the islandis influencedby the cold birds were recorded on 7 October 1990. The latest Seaof Okhotskand thewarm JapaneseSea. Spring sightingwas on 16 October(1984; Lososei Bay). is usuallyprolonged, cold and windy. In some years,even in the southof the island,there can be Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva snowin May or early June,whilst in Julyearly PacificGolden Plover Pluvialisfulva is a scarce frosts occur across the whole of the island. In the migrant. Springmigration at southernSakhalin Seaof Okhotskpack-ice is presentuntil the end of takesplace in flocksof 10 to 20, rarelyof 40 to 60 June.On the easterncoast of Sakhalinaverage daily birds,from about20 May to c. 10June. At Lososei temperaturesabove 10øC are observedonly in the Bayabout 50 birdswere countedon 15-16May 1986. secondhalf of June,which is about a month later Flocks of 43 and 60 Plovers were recorded on 27 and thanAniva Bay. Between20-30 May; when intense 28 May 1977at the coastof TerpeniyaBay. Summer wadermigration takes place at Aniva Bay;all the - autumnmigration is observedfrom the second baysand lakesof the Okhotskcoast are still covered half of Julytill October.Flocks of 20-30birds were with ice,and the snowhas only startedto melt. The recordedon 28-30July 1988 and on 20 August1978 Sakhalinsummer is coldand rainy,while autumnis at the coastsof LososeiBay; and flocksof 28-30birds comparativelywarm and dry. on 26-27August 1977 at the NabilskyBay. The latestrecord was on 13 October(1990; Lososei Bay). Datawere collectedin differentparts of Sakhalin Islandin 1972,1974-1981and 1983-1991.Spring

226 Nechaev:Distribution of wadersduring migration at SakhalinIsland

Ringed Plover Charadriushiaticula 1981near TerpeniyaCape. Summer- autumn RingedPlover Charadrius hiaticula is a raremigrant, migrationstake place in the secondhalf of Julyto recordedonly on springmigration. Single birds and September,birds are usually recorded in flocksof 5 - flocks of three or four birds were observed at 12. LososeiBay from 9 May (1985)until 30 May (1976), oneRinged Plover was recorded on 24 May 1980on Black-wingedStilt Himantopushimantopus the coastof MordvinovaBay. Black-wingedStilt Himantopus himantopus is a rare migrant. At LososeiBay two birdswere observed Little Ringed Plover Charadriusdubius on 27-29May 1990,one on 3-4 June,and threeon 5-8 LittleRinged Plover Charadrius dubius is a common June1990. In 1991at the sameplace three breedingand migrant species. The earliest birds individualswere recordedon 20 May. arriveat southernSakhalin in mid - April, in flocks of 3-10 individuals,and the mostintense migration OystercatcherHaematopus ostralegus takesplace there in thefirst half of May. In northern OystercatcherHaematopus ostralegus is also a rare Sakhalinmigration occurs in the secondhalf of May migrant. At LososeiBay two birdswere observed - earlyJune. Summer and autumn migration is between23-25 May 1976,three birds between 29-31 observed20 July. The latestbirds were recordedon May 1983,and oneon 6 June1988. At Terpeniya 6 October(1990; Lososei Bay). Bay (the Vladimirovkariver mouth) four Oystercatcherswere recordedon 29 May 1977. LesserSandplover Charadrius mongolus LesserSandplover Charadrius mongolus is a Tringaochropus numerousmigrant. Springmigration in southern GreenSandpiper ochropus is a rarebreeding Sakhalintakes place in thesecond half of May - 10 andmigrant wader. At LososeiBay the earliest June. The earliestindividuals were recordedon 10 birdswere observed on 10 May (1986).During May (1985;Lososei Bay). Peakmigration is from20- migrationthey usually occur in flocksof 3-10. 25 May,when flocks consist of 10-60,and evenup to Summer- autumnmovements take place in August 100 or more individuals. Thus, about 600 Lesser - SeptemberThe latestrecord was on 24 September Sandploverwere counted on 22 May 1976on a 3 km (1976;Lososei Bay). routeon the coastof LososeiBay; single birds and flocksof threeto five birdswere present there also Tringaglareola in June1983. Summermovements start in late June. WoodSandpiper Tringa glareola is commonon In the first half of Julythe numbersincrease so that migrationand breedsin low numbers.The earliest the observedmovements look like typicalautumn individualswere recordedat LososeiBay on 7 May migration.About 50 LesserSandplovers were (1985)and on 9 May (1986).Intense migration in countedon 2 July1975, and about500 birds on 13 differentyears takes place from 17-25May; during July1975 along the 3 km routeon the ChaivoBay thisperiod Wood occur in flocksof 20- coast.About 100were recordedon 3 July 1984at 40, morerarely of 60-100individuals. About 200 ViakhtuBay. Young waders are observed after birdswere countedon 18-19May 1976and 1980on 1 August(1979; Golovacheva Cape). Large 3 km route at LososeiBay. Springmigration is concentrationswere recordedon 11August 1979on completedbetween 1-10 June. In Julysummer - the coastsof the BaikalBay (c. 500 birds), on 24 autumnmigration starts. Thus, 30-35 birds were August1976 and 23 August 1977 at thecoasts of recordedbetween 13-17 July on a 3 krn route at the Pomrand Nyisky Bays (c. 300 birds). The latest coastof NabilskyBay. Intensemigration of young sightingwas on 7 October(1990; Lososei Bay). birdstakes place in August:at the coastof Kuegda Bayc. 200 Wood Sandpipers were counted on a 3 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus km route on 12-15August 1976;at LososeiBay Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus is a rare about 100 birds were counted on a 3 km route on 8 breederand migrant. The earliest birds were August1980, from 200-500 Wood Sandpipers were observedon 25 April (1992)on the coastof Lososei observedthere daily from 17-19August. The latest Bay. Broodswere observed in lateJune. Autumn flock of 28-30 birds was recorded on 26 October migrationoccurs in August-September. 1978(Aniva Bay).

Lapwing Vanellusvanellus LapwingVanellus vanellus is a raremigrant. Only GreenshankTringa nebularia sixrecords of thisspecies are known to me for the GreenshankTringa nebularia is commonon periodof migrationsand summer movements. migrationbut a rarebreeding species. At southern Sakhalinthe earliestbirds were recorded on 7 May TumstoneArenaria interpres (1985;Lososei Bay). Greenshanksmigrate in flocks TumstoneArenaria interpres is not a numerous of 5-20,rarely of 100and moreindividuals. On a 3 migrant.The earliest birds were recorded at Lososei km route at LososeiBay two flocks(15 and 48 birds) Bayon 15 May (1988).Approximately 100 were were observedon 19 May 1976,c. 200birds were countedthere on a 3 km route on 30 May 1979. Two countedon 22 May 1980and on 25 May 1990. to four Turnstoneswere presentbetween 11-29 June Springmigration terminates in the firstthird of June. The earliestautumn migrant flock of 16 adult

227 International Wader Studies 10: 225-232

Greenshankswas observedon 15 July 1976at Grey-tailedTattler Heteroscelus brevipes ChaivoBay; at TrontBay the first flockof 30 birds Grey-tailedTattler Heteroscelus brevipes is common was recordedon 23 July1987. YoungGreenshanks on migration. The earliestbirds were observedat were recordedafter 10 August,in Septemberthey southernSakhalin on 15May (1991;Lososei Bay). prevailedover the adults. The latestautumn record Migratingbirds in flocksof 3-10,rarely of 20 or was on 14 October1990 at LososeiBay. more individuals were recorded until 10 June. Summer - autumn movements start between 1-10 Nordmann'sGreenshank Tringa guttifer July. At LososeiBay (3 km route)a flockof about80 Nordmann'sGreenshank Tringa gutt•Cer is rareboth birdsstayed between 27-31 July 1981, about 150 as a breedingand migrantspecies. Spring migration Grey-tailedTattlers were counted there on 27-29July takesplace between 1-10 May. As the majorpart of 1984,and from 100-400birds on 23-31July 1989. the Sakhalinpopulation arrives on the islandfrom Migrationoccurred also in Augustand September. the mainland,the birds are more common in spring on the notberncoast than in the southernparts of WanderingTattler Heteroscelusincanus the island. Thus,they were recordedonly three WanderingTattler Heteroscelus incanus is a rare timeson the coastsof LososeiBay: three birds on 29 migrant.Single birds were recorded at Terpeniya May 1979,four birdsbetween 22-28 May 1989,and Cape on 14 and 25 June1981. five birdson 23 May 1991.The earliestbirds, migratingsouth, were recordedat NabilskyBay on CommonSandpiper hypoleucos 21 July1981 (flock of five) and on 20 July1984 CommonSandpiper Actitis hypoleucos is common (aboutten birds). Othersightings are three birds on 10August 1979 on the coastof BaikalBay, single bothon migration and as a breedingspecies. Along the coastmigration is not obvious;flocks consist birdson 15August 1976 at KuegdaBay, and on 19 usuallyof threeto five,rarely of 10-15birds. The August1976 at Urkt Bay,two on 23 August1977 at Nyisky Bay. earliestCommon Sandpipers were recorded on 5-8 May (1984;Lososei Bay). Summer- autumn movementstake place in the secondhalf of Julyto RedshankTringa totanus September.Up to 10Common Sandpipers were RedshankTringa totanus migrates and breedsin low presentbetween 8-15 August 1976 on a 3 km route numbers. Like Nordmann's Greenshank most at the Shmidtpeninsula; at the coastof NyiskyBay Sakhalinbirds arrive in springprobably from the 12 birdswere countedon 23 August1977 on a 3 km mainland,and a smallernumber from the Japanese route;a groupof four CommonSandpipers was side. Therefore,this speciesis rare in southern observedon 27 August 1977 at NabilskyBay. Sakhalin:groups of 1-3birds were recordedat Aniva Baybetween 20-30 May but not everyyear. Summer - autumn movements start in the second half of Terek SandpiperXenus cinereus June:flocks of 20-30non-breeding birds were TerekSandpiper Xenus cinereus migrates in small numbers.On springmigration at southernSakhalin recordedbetween 20-30 June 1984 at Tyk Bay.On 15 it is recorded in flocks of 3-10 birds after the second July 1976at ChaivoBay, 52 birdswere countedon a 5 km route,on 21 July 1988a flock of 50 Redshanks half of May. Rarelybirds formed larger aggregationsup to 100:on 25 May 1990such an wasobserved at PomrBay. Young birds were aggregationwas recordedon a 3 km route at Lososei prevailingin flocksalready in August. Bay. SingleTerek Sandpipers were observeduntil 12 June(1983; Lososei Bay). Summer- autumn SpottedRedshank Tringa erythropus movementstake place from lateJune - earlyJuly SpottedRedshank Tringa erythropus migrates in low until September;the peak of migrationfalls between numbers. The first birds arrive in southern Sakhalin 20-30July and in August.Thus, at LososeiBay at the end of April (Gizenko1955), and main flocksof 20-30birds were recorded on 27-30July migrationtakes place in May. Birdsdo not form 1984,flocks of 50-120birds on 28-31July 1987 and largeflocks and are recordedusually in groupsof 5 - 1988.The earliestrecord of youngbirds was 1 20 individuals. On summer- autumnmigration the August(1979; Golovacheva point). At NyiskyBay earliestflocks of 20 birdswere observedon 2-3 July coastyoung birds were prevailing among 30-100 1975at the ChaivoBay coast; four birdswere TerekSandpipers counted on a 1 km routeduring recordedthere on 4 July1985. SingleSpotted 21-23August 1977. Redshanks and flocks of three to five were recorded in Augustand September,the latestwere observed Grey PhalaropePhalaropus fulicarius on 6-14October 1990 at LososeiBay. GreyPhalarope Phalaropusfulicarius is rare on passage.Migration passes over the opensea, Marsh SandpiperTringa stagnatilis mostlyduring storms, it rarelyoccurrs along the Marsh SandpiperTringa stagnatilis is a rare migrant. coast of the island. Flocks of two to five birds were Singleindividuals were recorded at AnivaBay on 15 recordedon 28 May 1980at the coastof Mordvinova May 1986,26 May 1987and 17 May 1990. Bay and on 17June 1981 near Terpeniya Cape. Summer- autumnmovements take place in July- August. Flocksof up to 60 birdswere recordedon 19 August1983 at the Aniva bay (Glustchenko1987).

228 Nechaev:Distribution of wadersduring migration at SakhalinIsland

Red-neckedPhalarope Phalaropus lobatus June. Probablysome non-breeding birds spend the Red-neckedPhalarope Phalaropus lobatus is common whole summeron Sakhalin- mostlyin its northern on migrationbut a rarebreeder. Like Grey part wherethey were observedin June.In Julythe ,migration occurs mostly over the open number of Red-necked increases. At Viakhtu sea.On the coastit occursrarely, in flocksof 5-20, Baycoasts c. 30 were countedon 7 July 1984,at sometimesof c. 100birds. Springpassage takes Dagy Bay c. 100 were presenton 12 July 1976,at placein May - firsthalf of June.Near the Terpeniya ChaivoBay at least200 were observedon 10-12July peninsula(Davydova Cape) flocks of 10-30birds 1975,and about400 on 13-17July 1975.At Lososei were recorded from 9-11 June 1981; in total almost Bayfrom 200-500were countedon a 3 km route 300Red-necked were countedthere on a from 22-31July 1989. The earliestyoung Red- 1 km route. Flocksof 20-150birds stayed from 12-18 neckedStints were recorded on 2 August(1979; the June1981 at the TerpeniyaCape, in someflocks up SakhalinskyBay coast). The latest flocks of up to 20 to 40%of birdswere still in winter plumage. Only birds were observedon 25 October (1978;Lososei one or two birds remained there from 19-28 June Bay). 1981. Summer - autumn movements start after mid- July. About20 birdswere observedon 18-19August Long-toedStint Calidris subminuta 1980on a 3 km routeat the coastof LososeiBay. At Long-toedStint Calidris subminuta is commonon Aniva BayPhalaropes were recordedfrom 20-30 migrationbut a rarebreeding species. The earliest September(Glushenko 1987). birdswere recordedon 8 May (1986;Lososei Bay); intensemovements occurred on 17-27May when Philomachuspugnax Long-toedStints passed in flocksof 3-30. About200 Ruff Philomachuspugnax is rareboth on migration were observedon 17-19May 1980along a 3 km and asa breeder.Most of the Sakhalinpopulation routeat LososeiBay. Springmigration lasts until arrives on the island from the mainland. Records of about 10 June. During summer- autumn migration singlebirds are mostcommon. At LososeiBay Ruffs at the coastof NabilskyBay 20-25 birds were were seenonly threetimes in May during seven recordeddaily per 3 km routeon 11-17July 1981; at yearsof studies.Summer - autumnmigration the coastof Dagy Bay 100Long-toed Stints were occursin lateJuly - September.Young birds (one to countedon 23 July1975; at LososeiBay 10-50were three)were recordedat LososeiBay three times in recordedevery day between23-31 July 1989. theperiod from 8 August(in 1980)to 19August (in 1978). Temminck's Calidris temminckii Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii is a rare Spoon-billedSandpiper Eurynorhynchus migrant.Birds are found in flocksof 3-10. At pygmeus LososeiBay they were recorded after 13 May (1989) Spoon-billedSandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus until the end of May. A recordof threebirds on 11 migratesin smallnumbers. At southernSakhalin it July1981 at NabilskyBay indicated the beginning of is recordedon passagefrom mid-May- c. 10June in summer- autumnmigrations, which usuallylast flocksof 3-30,rarely of 100or more. About200 until September.Two youngindividuals were birdswere countedon a 2 km routeat LososeiBay observedat LososeiBay on 19 August1978. on 30 May 1979,but only five Spoon-billed Sandpiperswere present there on 2 June1979. SandpiperCalidris ferruginea Summer- autumn movementsoccur from late July Curlew SandpiperCalidrisferruginea is a scarce until mid-October.At LososeiBay about 20 birds migrant. The earliestbirds were observedon 18 were countedon a 1 km routeon 23-26July 1989 May (1980;Lososei Bay). Thepeak of migration and 31July 1987. At SakhalinskyBay coast eight occursfrom 23-27May, when Curlew Sandpipers Spoon-billedSandpipers were recorded on 1 August were observedsingly and in flocksof threeto six, 1979. rarely20-30. Only once,on 30 May 1979,about 150 birdswere countedon a 3 km route at LososeiBay. Calidris minuta Springmigration is completedby 10 June. On Little Stint Calidrisminuta is a rare migrant. Single summer- autumnmigration these waders were birdsand groupsof two to four individualswere observedat LososeiBay on 1 and 3 July 1984,13 recordedin theperiod from 19 May to 7 June(1987- July 1983,and 27 July1984; flocks of 15 -30 1990)on a 1 km route at LososeiBay. composedof bothadults and youngwere recorded thereon 21-24August 1978. Red-neckedStint Calidris ruficollis Red-neckedStint Calidris ruficollis is oneof the most Calidris alpina numerousmigrants. The earliest birds were Dunlin Calidrisalpina is numerouson migrationbut recordedon 9 May (1986;Lososei Bay); peak a rarebreeding wader. Theearliest birds were migrationoccurs from 20-30 May; spring observedon 9 May (1984and 1986;Lososei Bay). movementsare completed by 10June. On a 3 km Intensemigration took place in the secondhalf of routeat LososeiBay Red-necked Stints were May,when were recorded in flocksof 10-40 recordedin aggregationsof varyingsize, from 5-20 and sometimesup to 100-200.On 19-26May 1976 up to 2,000-3,000.Summer movements start in mid- up to 1,000Dunlins were counteddaily on a 3 km

229 International Wader Studies 10: 225-232

route at LososeiBay, on 31 May 1979about 2,000 observedon 18August 1980, at SakhalinskyBay two were recorded there. In the Vladimirovka river youngand one adult Knot were recordedon 5 mouthfrom 100-500Dunlins per 3 km routewere August1979. About 1,000 Knot• were counted on countedevery day between23-29 May 1977. Spring 10 August1979 on the coastof BaikalBay. migrationwas completedby 10 June,but afterlate June, summer - autumn movements were recorded. Calidris alba Largeconcentrations of Dunlinswere observedin SanderlingCalidris alba is alsoa scarcemigrant. At northernSakhalin: at ChaivoBay about1,500 were LososeiBay flocksof five to eightbirds were presenton a 3 km routefrom 7-15July 1976,about observedin differentyears from 17May to 2 June; 1,000were countedthere on 23 August1975; and on on 23 May 1990about 40 Sanderlingswere counted an equalroute at NabilskyBay up to 800Dunlins there on a 2 km route. On summer - autumn were recordedfrom 18-21July 1981. In southern migrationat this locality,the earliestbirds (ten) were Sakhalinaggregations of up to 500Dunlins were recordedon 13 July 1983. At the coastof the Seaof observedfrom 20-30July. Flocksof c.200 (mostly Okhotsk(near Chaivo Bay) flocks of 5-10 young)were recorded on 21-22August 1978 at Sanderlingswere observedon 5 July1976 and 11 LososeiBay, on 21-23August 1977 at the coastof July1975. On thecoast of SakhalinskyBay Nyisky Bay,and on 24 August1976 in PomrBay. (Golovachevapoint) 60 Sanderlingswere counted The latest Dunlins were observed on 4 November on a 2 km routeon 1 August1979, the next day an (1978;Aniva bay,Busse Lake). equalnumber was registeredon a 10 km route.

Sharp-tailedSandpiper Calidris acuminata Broad-billedSandpiper Limicola falcinellus Sharp-tailedSandpiper Calidris acuminata is a scarce Broad-billedSandpiper Limicolafalcinellus is a rare migrant. The earliestbirds were observedon 18 migrant.In southernSakhalin migration takes place May (1976;Lososei Bay); intense migration occurred in the secondhalf of May until September,with from 20-30May, when thesewaders were recorded singlebirds and flocksof 10-12individuals. During in flocks of 3 - 30 or more individuals. At Lososei summer movements these waders were recorded on Bayflocks of 80 - 100birds were seenon a 3 km 16July 1987 at the coastof PiltunBay, on 23 July route on 27 - 29 May 1987. Spingmigration is 1987at the coastof Trontbay. At LososeiBay single finishedby 10 June. Recordsof singleSharp-tailed Broad-billedSandpipers were presenton 27-30July Sandpiperson 9 July1988 at the Shmidtpeninsula 1986 and 1988, 20-30 individuals were counted on a and on 13 July1983 at LososeiBay refer to the 3 km routeon 18-19August 1980 and 21-22August beginningof summer- autumnmigrations. In 1978. August,flocks of up to 100include both young and adult birds. The latestsightings of singleyoung Gallinagogallinago Sharp-tailedSandpipers were on 28 Octoberand 2 CommonSnipe gallinago is commonon November(1978; Lososei Bay). migrationbut a scarcebreeder. Spring passage takes placein May; summer- autumnmovements occur Calidris tenuirostris in the secondhalf of Julyto September,in October GreatKnot Calidristenuirostris is a commonmigrant. only singlebirds were observed. The earliestbirds were observedon 9 May (1985; LososeiBay); intense migration takes place from 20- Latham'sSnipe Gallinagohardwickii 30 May in flocksof 3-20to 100or more. At Lososei Latham'sSnipe Gallinago hardwickii is a scarce Bay about100 Great Knot were countedon a 3 km breedingspecies. The earliestbirds arrive in route on 30 May 1979. Summer- autumnmigration southernSakhalin after 22 April (1992;Lososei Bay); startsin July. The first two birdswere recordedon intensemigration takes place in lateApril until the 11July 1975at ChaivoBay, on 15 July 1976there first third of May. Summer- autumnmovements were about40, and on 11July 1976about 100 Great Knots were counted on a 1 km route. At the coast of are observedfrom the secondhalf of Julyto September. Dagy Bay a flock of c. 300 GreatKnots was observed on 13July 1976. The earliestyoung birds were recordedon 3 August(1979; coast of Sakhalinsky Pintail Snipe Gallinagostenura Bay). Flocksof 10-40young birds were observedat PintailSnipe Gallinago stenura is a raremigrant, LososeiBay on 18-19August 1980 and 21-22August recordedin May on springpassage and in August- 1978. The latest five Great Knots were seen in this Septemberon autumnmigration. area on 30 October and 2 November 1978. Gallinagosolitaria Knot Calidris canutus SolitarySnipe Gallinago solitaria is a scarcemigrating Knot Calidriscanutus is a scarcemigrant. In springit andwintering wader. Springpassage takes place in is rare at Aniva Bayin the secondhalf of May, where April-May and autumnmigration in September- onlysingle birds are recorded. Migration mostly October. goesthrough northern Sakhalin in flocksof 5-10, rarely in largergroups. Summer- autumn WoodcockScolopax rusticola movementstake placefrom 20 July to September. WoodcockScolopax rusticola is a commonmigrant At LososeiBay a flock of 10 youngbirds was

23O Nechaev:Distribution of wadersduring migration at SakhahnIsland and breedingspecies. The earliestknown recordsin Bar-tailed Limosa lapponica springare on 16 April (Voronov& Voronov1980), Bar-tailedGodwit Limosalapponica is a common migrationlasts till thefirst half of May. Departure migrant. The earliestbirds were recordedon 13 to winteringgrounds starts in September;the latest May (1979;Lososei Bay). In springflocks range birds were observedon 19 October (1984;Lososei from 5-50,rarely up to 100. From 5-50 Bar-tailed Bay). Godwitswere counteddaily between23 May-1 June 1977at TerpeniyaBay (the Vladimirovkariver Numenius minutus mouth). During summer- autumnmigration Little Curlew Numeniusminutus is a rare migrant. A (secondhalf of July- October)at Nabilsky Baywe singlebird was observedon 26 June1988 on Neurtu recorded10-20 birds every day from 16-19July 1986, Bay(Shmidt peninsula); six Little were at Nyisky Bay220 Bar-tailed were counted recordedon 10 September1983 near Aleksandrovsk on a 2 km route on 21-23August 1977.The latest town (V.I. Vorobiyevpers. comm.). recordswere on 30 October and 2 November (1978; LososeiBay). Numenius rnadagascariensis General patterns of migration Far-easternCurlew Numeniusmadagascariensis is a Fromthe abovedata it is clearthat the spring scarcemigrant. During the springmigration at passageof most(northern) waders lasts for about southernSakhalin (mid-April to May) the flocks one month:during May in southernSakhalin, and consistof 5 - 200birds. At LososeiBay threeFar until earlyJune in the northernpart of the island. If EasternCurlews were recordedon 13 May 1979, the weather at southern Sakhalin remains warm and about 100birds on 23 May 1990;at Ainskoyelake dry in the secondhalf of May, migratingwaders about 60 were observedon 19-23May 1978. that havereached Aniva Bay,leave after only seven Summer- autumnmigration takes place from July or eightdays. Someflocks do not stopthere at all to October:at NabilskyBay single Far-eastern and fly further northwards.When the weatheris Curlewsand flocksof up to 12 birdswere recorded cold and windy with rain or snowmigration is on 11July 1981;at LososeiBay flocksof 16 - 30 birds prolongeduntil 1-10June. On cloudydays large were seenon 22-28July 1989 and 27-31July 1981. concentrations of waders are observed and their number increases as the weather conditions become Whimbrel Numeniusphaeopus worse. Thus,in the coldrainy springs of 1976,1979- WhimbrelNumenius phaeopus is numerous on 1980,1984, 1986-1987 and 1989the migrationof migration. At southernSakhalin spring passage wadersat LososeiBay lasteduntil 4-6 June. Most takesplace from mid-May to 10 June.During the birdsarrived there on 18-20May, with a peakof peak of migration,on 20-23May, Whimbrelswere migrationobserved from 20-30May when,in observedin flocksof 5-20,sometimes up to 50. differentyears, from 2,000- 8,000 waderswere About 300 were recorded on a 3 km route at the countedon the coastper 3 km route.For example,at coastof LososeiBay on 27-28May 1987. The earliest least 7,000 - 8,000 birds were recorded there on 30 flocks of 15-20 Whimbrels were recorded on May 1979,including Dunlins and Red-neckedStints summer- autumnmovements on 18-20July 1979at (c.2,500 each species), Grey Plovers(c. 300), Curlew PogybyPoint. At the Dagy Baycoast a flockof 100 Sandpipers(c. 150), Spoon-billed Sandpipers birdswas observedon 23 July1984; flocks of 25-30 (c.200), Great Knots,Lesser Sandplovers, Terek and 50-150 Whimbrels were recorded from 20-30 Sandpipers, and Black-tailedGodwits August(1975-1979) on the coastsof Nabilsky, (up to 100each). The next day (31 May) these Nyisky,Dagy, Chaivo and Piltun Bays.Autumn numbersfell by almosta half. A total of 5,000- migrationis completein September. 6,000waders were recordedat that placeon 23-25 May 1990. In contrast,in the warm springsof 1983, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 1985and 1988most waders passed through Lososei Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa is numerous on Bay from 17-28May. migrationbut a rarebreeder. The earliestbirds were recordedon 9 May (1985;Lososei Bay); peak The southwardssummer - autumnmigration, is migrationwas observedfrom 20-30May when prolongedand lastsfor four months.It startslate in flocksconsisted of 3-10,rarely of 20-30. On summer June- earlyJuly, reaching a peakbetween 20-30 July - autumnmigration after late July to October,Black- - firsthalf of August. The earliestrecords of wader tailed Godwitsfly in largeflocks. Thus,a flockof 50 concentrationswere between 20-30 June:for - 60 was recordedon 12 July 1975at ChaivoBay, and example300-400 Dunlins were observedon 23-25 a flockof 250-300on 13 July 1976at Dagy Bay. At June1984 at Tyk Bay. Presumably,the birds Nabilsky Bayat least200 Black-tailedGodwits were migratingin Julyare non-breedersor left breeding countedin one flock on 18-19July 1981,about 150 areasearly. Most immaturebirds of speciessuch as on 20-23July 1985,and 300-400on 19 July 1986.The LesserSandplover, Red-necked Stint, Dunlin and latest Black-tailed Godwits were observed on 6 someothers probably do not reachtheir natal area October(1990; Lososei Bay). at all in their first year and spendthe summer(June- July)on the coastsof the Seaof Okhotsk,and in particularin northernSakhalin.

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In Julylarge concentrations of wadersare recorded. Recentlythose areas inhabited by wadershave been At ChaivoBay from 2,000-5,000waders of 10-12 subjectto intensedevelopment by people. The specieswere counted along 2 km of coastfrom 10-16 northernparts of the coastof Sakhalinare polluted July1975 and from 1-10July 1976; most of them by oil (for examplethe Urkt, Ekhaby,Dagy Bays) were Dunlinsand LesserSandplovers. At Dagy Bay and floatingtimber, intertidal parts and beaches are on 12-13July we recorded1,500-2,000 waders, damagedby vehiclesmaking ruts and tracks.Birds Dunlinsand Black-tailedGodwits prevailed; on 23 are alsonegatively influenced from disturbanceby July1975 there were c. 2,500birds (on a 2 km route), game-hunters,fishermen and tourists. In spring mostlyDunlins and Red-neckedStints. and autumnthey are shot as gamebirds, mostly whenautumn game-hunting for ducksis allowed Largeconcentrations of waderswere observedalso after lateAugust. Game-huntingof Whimbrelis at NabilskyBay. For example,about 1,000 birds allowedin northernSakhalin after 15 August. were countedthere on 17-19June 1986, including For the protectionof wadersand their , c. 500 Black-tailed Godwits, c. 300 Great Knots, c. i.e.coastal and inlandwetlands, it is necessaryto 100 Dunlins and c. 100 Red-necked Stints. At the declareparts of coastalbays (Nabulsky, Dagy, sameplace on 20 July1985 there were 150Black- Chaivoetc.) as seasonal sanctuaries during the tailed Godwits,and up to 200Red-necked Stints. At periodsof migration.These coastal sites lie TrontBay a largeflock of wadersobserved on 23 within areasof intenseoil and gasexploitation and July1987, consisted of Black-tailedGodwits (c. 500), includelarge human settlements. In the less Red-neckedStints (c. 100), Dunlins and Knots (c. 50 developedShmidt peninsula it would be desirable eachspecies). A largeflock of roostingwaders was to establisha permanentnature reserve at the observedon 10August 1979 at BaikalBay, most of existingregional sanctuary. It is alsonecessary to them were adult Great Knot (c. 1,500birds), Knot ban game-huntingof smallwaders in orderto (up to 1,000),Bar-tailed Godwit (c.500) and Dunlin. preventshooting such rare endangeredbirds as Concentrations of 1,500-2,000 waders were observed Nordmann'sGreenshank and Spoon-billed alsoat LososeiBay, in southernSakhalin, from 20 Sandpiper. July- mid-September. References Conclusions Komsomolsky,G.V. & Sikyk,I.M. (eds.),1967. TheAtlas of Wadersmostly concentrate on Sakhalinon the Sakhalinregion. State board of geodesyand coastsof shallowbays and on the shoresof coastal cartographyof theUSSR Council of Ministers lakes,where biological productivity is (GUGK). Moscow. In Russian. comparativelyhigh. Voronov,V.G. & Voronov,G.A. 1980. Wader migrationat the Sakhalinand at the Kuriles. In: V.E. Flint (ed.), The main wader concentrations in southern Newdata in thestudies of biology and distribution of Sakhalinare on the coastsof Aniva Bay(Lososei Bay waders,pp. 91-93. Nauka, Moscow.In Russian. and BusseLake), Mordvinova and TerpeniyaBays, Gizenko,A.I. 1955. Birdsof the Sakhalin region, 328 pp. and the Lebyazhyeand Nevskoyelakes. At the USSR Acad. Sci. Press, Moscow. In Russian. north-east of the island the main wader Glushenko, Yu.N. 1987. Notes on the records of marine concentrationsare on the coastsof the Lunsky, birdsand shorebirdsat the north of the Japanese Nabilsky,Nyisky, Dagy, Chaivo, Piltun, Urkt, sea and at the extreme south of the Sea of Okhotsk. Kolendu,Tront Bays etc. In north-westSakhalin In: N.M. Litvinenko(ed.), Distribution and biology of wader concentrations are found on the coasts of marinebirds at theFar East,pp. 60-62. Vladivostok. Viakhtu,Tyk, Baikaland Pomrbays; at the Shmidt In Russian. peninsula- the coastsof Neurtu and KuegdaBays Nikolsky,A.M. 1889. TheSakhalin island and its vertebrate (Figure1). Comparativelysmaller flocks also fauna. Transactionsof the ImperialAcad. of Sci.,St. stopoverat the otherparts of the marinecoast, on Petersburg.Vol. 60, Supplement5. 334pp. the shores of lakes and at river mouths. In Russian. Judgingby the distributionof birdson the coasts,as Yamashina, Y. 1927-1928. Notes on a collection of birds well asby directobservations of wadermigrations it from Southern Sakhalin. 5(24): 333-364. 25: 419- is clearthat inlandmigrations are poorly expressed. 453. Mostwaders fly in springto thenorth, some species (Nordmann'sGreenshank, Redshank, Ruff etc.) migratemostly from the mainlandin a north- easterlydirection. Due to differencesin climate, influencedby the Sakhalinseas, the firstflocks of waders arrive earlier on the north-western than the north-eastern coasts of the island. Summer - autumn migrationpasses in the correspondinglyopposite directions.

Thetotal daily number of wadersbetween 20-30 Julyon the wholeisland can be estimatedat about 30,000-40,000 birds.

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