DOCSLIB.ORG

White Stork Fails to Deliver

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
White Stork Fails to Deliver Bird Populations 8:213-214 Reprinted with permission BTO News 255:26 © British Trust for Ornithology 2004 WHITE STORK FAILS TO DELIVER DAVID GLUE British Trust for Ornithology The National Centre for Ornithology The Nunnery, Thetford Norfolk, IP24 2PU, United Kingdom Intriguing New Year breeding successes, exciting range extensions, and productive nestbox projects: all features of an upbeat 2004 breeding season, outlined by BTO Research Biologist, David Glue. LA CIGÜEÑA BLANCA NO CUMPLE Intrigantes éxitos reproductivos en Año Nuevo, excitantes extensiones de rango, y productivos proyectos con cajas nido: características de una temporada 2004 muy animada, resumida por el biólogo del BTO David Glue. Following the relatively poor breeding season Periodic heavy rains mid month and during for many species in 2003 (BTO News 249), it is the last week, with flash-flooding in the Severn pleasing to outline a more productive current Complex and northeast, led to locally heavy season for many of the UK’s breeding birds. The losses among nesting duck, Black-headed Gull, early breeding events were reported in BTO plovers and Reed Bunting. Sadly, yet another News 252. spring buildup of water in the Ouse Washes washed out a nationally significant population of more than 1,000 pairs of waders, including MANDARIN AND STONE CURLEW Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe and Blacktailed OCCUPY FRESH HAUNTS Godwit. A dull, wet April was tempered by regular Stone Curlew fared better in Breckland and warmth, 1–2°C above average. Attempts by a Wessex populations, with signs that a ‘dumbell’ pair of White Stork to breed in the Calder Valley, distribution may form via the Ridgeway west of Wakefield (West Yorks) atop a hastily counties. Warm spells in the final week, with erected pole and pallet, substituting for an elec- temperatures touching 23°C in London on 24th, tricity pylon, led to frustration and failure. They saw a surge in reported active nests of dabbling carried Continental rings, the female fitted near duck, tits, thrushes and finches. Those checking Lille (France) and male at Mechelen (Belgium). nestboxes were delighted to find Goosander Wandering birds elsewhere in the UK suggest (Devon, Montgomery), Mandarin (Bucks, that the first successful breeding, since that on St Hants) and Black Redstart (Birmingham). Giles’ Cathedral (Edinburgh) in 1416, may not Among spring migrants, Chiffchaff and be far away. The naturally recolonising Chough, Blackcap maintained their recent strength, on the Lizard peninsula (Cornwall) were more Yellow Wagtail and Tree Pipit reappeared in successful with four young hatched in this, the improved numbers but Cuckoo were again third year. woefully few in parts. [213] DAVID GLUE WARM MAY SUITS OSPREY AND HOBBY CHECKED BY OWLS, TITS AND MIDSUMMER RAINS FLYCATCHERS Winds veered to the north on 17th June, May was the driest such month since 1998 and introducing sharp showers and a cooler theme, the warmest and sunniest since 1991. Consistent revitalizing parched soils and drying water- comfortable heat, moist soils and clear blue skies bodies. The period mid-June to mid- July proved favoured early nesting residents and summer the chilliest since 1981 (daily temperatures 0.7°C visitors alike. Daily temperatures 1–2°C above below average) but many thrushes, Robins, average in all regions, topping 25°C in Greater Wrens, hirundines, chats and pipits reared London on 24th, boosted aphid, caterpillar and successive broods. Avocet, Little Egret and midge prey. The mercury dipped to –4°C at Mediterranean Gull made significant range Kinbrace (Sutherland) early on 27th, but extensions, chiefly to the northeast, inland, and fortunately the spring remained largely frost- south coast populations respectively. A record- free (unlike 2003). breaking ‘autumnal’ low, crossed southern parts Tits survived the winter in modest numbers on 7/8th, with torrential rains and winds to 50 and average sized clutches were laid. Fledging knots. Crown-heavy trees were uprooted, with success though was generally high, with young Grey Heron, Cormorant, Osprey, Hobby relatively few broods of Great Tit, Blue Tit, and doves reported lost, as well as swamped Long-tailed Tit and Pied Flycatcher predated by broods of ground-nesting divers, Merlin, Hen weasel, pine marten, wood mouse or Great Harrier and Nightjar, among others. Some Barn Spotted Woodpecker, in contrast with the Owl young starved, but the Barn Owl Monitor- previous season. Checking nestboxes in rampant ing Programme reported modest numbers of vegetation was hard work, but lush grass free-flying youngsters, eclipsing the grim season growth resulted in plenty of prey that fuelled 2003 (pers com. Colin Shawyer, Peter Beaven). egg-laying Buzzards, Kestrels, Tawny Owls and Seabirds, as ever, enjoyed mixed fortunes, but Long-eared Owls. ‘catastrophic’ stories from northern sites Progressively drier conditions, especially in dominated. Initially east coast mixed colonies, western parts, checked some invertebrate including Sandwich Tern and Little Tern, were numbers and limited mud for nest building decimated at the chick stage by tidal storm supplies, but rain-bearing Atlantic fronts from surges. Longterm nest-recorder Eric Meek, on the 28th relieved matters. Orkney, described “the worst season in living A warm first-half to June, with temperatures memory”, with thousands of Guillemot, Shag topping the 30°C mark, helped Swallow, and Kittiwake missing from traditional ledges. Dipper, Pied Wagtail and Spotted Flycatcher to Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua and Great Skua were fledge first broods and to lay repeat clutches. inactive, while starving chicks were a feature. Delighted homeowners in Liss Forest (Hants), Debate centred around climate change and a Great Gaddesden (Herts) and Church Stretton northward shift of plankton and fish prey to (Shrops) attracted families of Siskins to warmer waters. Gannet provided one bright feeders. spot, 14 pairs occupying the UK’s newest colony Elsewhere, onlookers in Chichester (Sussex), on The Noup, Westray. On land, healthy nestbox inner city Gloucester and Nottingham, watched broods of Great Tit, Pied Flycatcher and nesting Peregrine. Melodious Warbler Nuthatch in the third week of July, reflected (Cornwall), Icterine Warbler (Suffolk) and Great repeat layings and second brood successes. Reed Warbler (Essex) sang well but failed to Gathering heat in late July, temperatures attract mates, Spotted Crake, Serin and clipping 30°C at the month’s end (Cardiff), Common Rosefinch in new haunts proved boosted aerial insect supplies, enabling martins, successful. Spotted Flycatcher and Nightjar, among others, to fledge late broods in August, before nesting activity wound down in torrential midsummer rains, the wettest August since 1956. [214].
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Hungary & Transylvania
    Although we had many exciting birds, the ‘Bird of the trip’ was Wallcreeper in 2015. (János Oláh) HUNGARY & TRANSYLVANIA 14 – 23 MAY 2015 LEADER: JÁNOS OLÁH Central and Eastern Europe has a great variety of bird species including lots of special ones but at the same time also offers a fantastic variety of different habitats and scenery as well as the long and exciting history of the area. Birdquest has operated tours to Hungary since 1991, being one of the few pioneers to enter the eastern block. The tour itinerary has been changed a few times but nowadays the combination of Hungary and Transylvania seems to be a settled and well established one and offers an amazing list of European birds. This tour is a very good introduction to birders visiting Europe for the first time but also offers some difficult-to-see birds for those who birded the continent before. We had several tour highlights on this recent tour but certainly the displaying Great Bustards, a majestic pair of Eastern Imperial Eagle, the mighty Saker, the handsome Red-footed Falcon, a hunting Peregrine, the shy Capercaillie, the elusive Little Crake and Corncrake, the enigmatic Ural Owl, the declining White-backed Woodpecker, the skulking River and Barred Warblers, a rare Sombre Tit, which was a write-in, the fluty Red-breasted and Collared Flycatchers and the stunning Wallcreeper will be long remembered. We recorded a total of 214 species on this short tour, which is a respectable tally for Europe. Amongst these we had 18 species of raptors, 6 species of owls, 9 species of woodpeckers and 15 species of warblers seen! Our mammal highlight was undoubtedly the superb views of Carpathian Brown Bears of which we saw ten on a single afternoon! 1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Hungary & Transylvania 2015 www.birdquest-tours.com We also had a nice overview of the different habitats of a Carpathian transect from the Great Hungarian Plain through the deciduous woodlands of the Carpathian foothills to the higher conifer-covered mountains.
    [Show full text]
  • UK13003 Page 1 of 10 Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands
    Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7 (1990), as amended by Resolution VIII.13 of the 8th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2002) and Resolutions IX.1 Annex B, IX.6, IX.21 and IX. 22 of the 9th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2005). Notes for compilers: 1. The RIS should be completed in accordance with the attached Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for completing the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands. Compilers are strongly advised to read this guidance before filling in the RIS. 2. Further information and guidance in support of Ramsar site designations are provided in the Strategic Framework for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 7, 2nd edition, as amended by COP9 Resolution IX.1 Annex B). A 3rd edition of the Handbook, incorporating these amendments, is in preparation and will be available in 2006. 3. Once completed, the RIS (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Ramsar Secretariat. Compilers should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the RIS and, where possible, digital copies of all maps. 1. Name and address of the compiler of this form: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY. DD MM YY Joint Nature Conservation Committee Monkstone House City Road Designation date Site Reference Number Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE1 1JY UK Telephone/Fax: +44 (0)1733 – 562 626 / +44 (0)1733 – 555 948 Email: [email protected] 2. Date this sheet was completed/updated: Designated: 02 February 1999 3. Country: UK (Scotland) 4. Name of the Ramsar site: Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring Migration of Soaring Birds Over the Bosphorus, Turkey, in 2006
    Spring migration of soaring birds over the Bosphorus, Turkey, in 2006 ÖzkAN ÜNER, kEREM ALi BoyLA, ERGÜN BAcAk, ERTuğRuL BiREL, İLhAN ÇELikoBA, CEM DALYAN, EVRIM TABUR & ÜMIT YARDIM The Bosphorus is one of the most important migration bottlenecks in the Middle East. However, most counts have been done during autumn and complete spring counts are very few. In spring 2006, a complete count of migrating soaring birds over the Bosphorus was carried out. We report a total of 100 051 birds, which consisted of 51 958 White Storks Ciconia ciconia, 16 185 Common Buzzards Buteo buteo, 15 232 Lesser Spotted Eagles Aquila pomarina and 9085 Honey Buzzards Pernis apivorus. The study demonstrates the importance of the Bosphorus for the spring migration of soaring birds. INTRODUCTION Turkey has major Western Palearctic migration crossroads, with corridors and bottlenecks for soaring birds in the northwestern (Bosphorus in Istanbul, Figure 1), northeastern (Borçka, Artvin province) and southern (Belen, Hatay province) parts of the country (Grimmett & Jones 1989). The Bosphorus is a well-known migration bottleneck for soaring birds due to its location at the junction between Europe and Asia. The whole population of eastern White Storks Ciconia ciconia, over 340 000 birds, flies over the Bosphorus. Zalles & Bildstein (2000) reported between 29 000 and 75 000 migrant raptors in autumn over the Bosphorus whereas a very recent multi-station but short survey has shown that more than 150 000 raptors use the area in autumn (Milvus Group 2008). Most of the world population of Lesser Spotted Eagles Aquila pomarina and Levant Sparrowhawks Accipiter brevipes, at least in autumn, crosses into Asia via the Bosphorus (Kirwan et al 2008) using the east Mediterranean route (Shirihai et al 2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Spread-Wing Postures and Their Possible Functions in the Ciconiidae
    THE AUK A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY Von. 88 Oc:roBE'a 1971 No. 4 SPREAD-WING POSTURES AND THEIR POSSIBLE FUNCTIONS IN THE CICONIIDAE M. P. KAI-IL IN two recent papers Clark (19'69) and Curry-Lindahl (1970) have reported spread-wingpostures in storks and other birds and discussed someof the functionsthat they may serve. During recent field studies (1959-69) of all 17 speciesof storks, I have had opportunitiesto observespread-wing postures. in a number of speciesand under different environmentalconditions (Table i). The contextsin which thesepostures occur shed somelight on their possible functions. TYPES OF SPREAD-WING POSTURES Varying degreesof wing spreadingare shownby at least 13 species of storksunder different conditions.In somestorks (e.g. Ciconia nigra, Euxenuragaleata, Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis, and ]abiru mycteria) I observedno spread-wingpostures and have foundno referenceto them in the literature. In the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) I observedonly a wing-droopingposture--with the wings held a short distanceaway from the sidesand the primaries fanned downward--in migrant birds wetted by a heavy rain at NgorongoroCrater, Tanzania. Other species often openedthe wingsonly part way, in a delta-wingposture (Frontis- piece), in which the forearmsare openedbut the primariesremain folded so that their tips crossin front o.f or below the. tail. In some species (e.g. Ibis leucocephalus)this was the most commonly observedspread- wing posture. All those specieslisted in Table i, with the exception of C. ciconia,at times adopted a full-spreadposture (Figures i, 2, 3), similar to those referred to by Clark (1969) and Curry-Lindahl (1970) in severalgroups of water birds.
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist of Suffolk Birds
    Suffolk Bird Checklist status up to and including 2001 records (2002 & 2003 where stated) - not including BOURC category E R = records considered by BBRC r = records considered by SORC, requiring full descriptions see end of list for Category D and abundance codes red-throated diver common winter visitor and passage migrant, rare inland black-throated diver uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, rare inland great northern diver uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant yellow (white)-billed diver R accidental, 3 records; 1852, 1978 and 1994 little grebe locally common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor great crested grebe locally common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor red-necked grebe uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, mostly coastal slavonian grebe uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, mostly coastal black-necked grebe uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant northern fulmar fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant Cory's shearwater r very rare (autumn) passage migrant; 28 records of 37 individuals, all post 1973 great shearwater r accidental, 6 records; 3 post 1950 sooty shearwater uncommon autumn migrant Manx shearwater uncommon passage migrant, mainly autumn Balearic shearwater r very rare passage migrant, 9 records, all since 1998 Leach's storm petrel r scarce passage migrant European storm petrel r very rare passage migrant, 28 individuals since 1950 northern gannet common offshore passage migrant great cormorant locally common passage migrant and winter visitor, a few oversummer
    [Show full text]
  • Housing Application Guide Highland Housing Register
    Housing Application Guide Highland Housing Register This guide is to help you fill in your application form for Highland Housing Register. It also gives you some information about social rented housing in Highland, as well as where to find out more information if you need it. This form is available in other formats such as audio tape, CD, Braille, and in large print. It can also be made available in other languages. Contents PAGE 1. About Highland Housing Register .........................................................................................................................................1 2. About Highland House Exchange ..........................................................................................................................................2 3. Contacting the Housing Option Team .................................................................................................................................2 4. About other social, affordable and supported housing providers in Highland .......................................................2 5. Important Information about Welfare Reform and your housing application ..............................................3 6. Proof - what and why • Proof of identity ...............................................................................................................................4 • Pregnancy ...........................................................................................................................................5 • Residential access to children
    [Show full text]
  • The Use of Nest-Boxes by Two Species of Sparrows (Passer Domesticus and P
    Intern. Stud. Sparrows 2012, 36: 18-29 Andrzej WĘGRZYNOWICZ Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warsaw e-mail: [email protected] THE USE OF NEST-BOXES BY TWO SPECIES OF SPARROWS (PASSER DOMESTICUS AND P. MONTANUS) WITH OPPOSITE TRENDS OF ABUNDANCE – THE STUDY IN WARSAW ABSTRACT The occupation of nest-boxes by House- and Tree Sparrow in Warsaw was investigated in 2005-2009 and in 2012 . Riparian forests, younger and older parks in downtown, and housing estates were included in the study as 4 types of habitats corresponding to the urbanization gradient of Warsaw . 1035 inspections of nest-boxes suitable for both spe- cies (type A) were carried out during the breeding period and 345 nest-boxes of other types were inspected after the breeding period . In order to determine the importance of nest-boxes for both species on different plots, obtained data were analyzed using Nest-box Importance Coefficient (NIC) . This coefficient describes species-specific rate of occupation of nest-boxes as well as the contribution of the pairs nesting in them . Tree Sparrow occupied a total of 33% of A-type nest-boxes, its densities were positively correlated with the number of nest-boxes, and seasonal differences in occupation rate were low for this species . The NIC and the rate of nest-box occupation for Tree Sparrow decreased along an urbanization gradient . House Sparrow used nest-boxes very rarely, only in older parks and some housing estates . Total rate of nest-box occupation for House Sparrow in studied plots was 4%, and NIC was relatively low .
    [Show full text]
  • THE EDINBURGH GAZETTE, 10Th OCTOBER 1967 805
    THE EDINBURGH GAZETTE, 10th OCTOBER 1967 805 within the area designated as the site of the New Town of Bowyers (Wiltshire) Ltd., Stallard Street, Trowbridge. Livingston and being the subjects disponed by and particu- Britax (London) Ltd., Proctor Works, Chertsey Road, By- larly described in the Disposition granted by National fleet, Weybridge. Commercial Bank of Scotland Limited with consent of William Kilgour Pettigrew Jackson in favour of Humphrey British Electrical Repairs Ltd., Church Road, Perry Barr, John Spurway dated the Twenty-seventh day of July and Birmingham. recorded in the Division of the General Register of Sasines British Sealed Beams Ltd., Rockingham Road, Corby. applicable to the County of Midlothian on the Nineteenth British Sugar Corporation Ltd., Ipswich Road, Sproughton, day of August both in the year Nineteen Hundred and Ipswich ; Foley Park, Kidderminster; Beet Sugar Factory, Sixty-six. Queen Adelaide, Ely and West Marsh Road, Spalding. Dated this 28th day of September 1967. Buchan potato Growers Ltd,, Commerce Street, Fraser- JAMES KELLY, burgh. Secretary and Legal Adviser, Burton's Gold Medal Biscuits Ltd., Vicarage Lane, Black- duly authorised officer of the Corporation. pool. Butler and Tanner Ltd., The Selwood Printing Works, Livingston Development Corporation, Caxton Road, Frome. Livingston, West Lothian. Calibra Engineering Co. Ltd., Caernarvon Road, Pwllheli, Caerns. Calverts Pies Ltd., Lonsdale Bakery, Lonsdale Street, Nelson. COMPANIES ACT, 1948 Campbell's Soups Ltd., Hardwick Road, King's Lynn. NOTICE is hereby given in terms of Section 353(3) of the Companies Act, 1948 (11 & 12 Geo. 6, Cap. 38) that, at the Carreras Ltd., Christopher Martin Road, Basildon. expiration of three months from the date hereof, the names Chapman and Co., (Balham) Ltd., Canterbury Mills, Canter- of the under-mentioned Companies will, unless cause is bury Road, Croydon.
    [Show full text]
  • The HUG Cookbook for Action
    The HUG Cookbook for Action Cook up a recipe for change! Resources, advice and ideas for getting involved, offering support and taking action on issues that affect people with mental health issues. Help is here! Contents Section 1: Key ingredients – Self-awareness and planning Page 3-4 Using the HUG Cookbook for Action Page 5 What can I do? Page 6 The importance of planning Page 7 Keeping safe, well and enjoying what you are doing Page 8-9 Presenting yourself Page 10 Am I representing HUG or myself? Page 10 Providing feedback to HUG Page 11-12 HUG Resources Page 12-14 HUG: The Facts Section 2: In the mix - Working with others Page 15 Working as a group Page 16 Keeping contact information safe (data protection) Page 17 Listening and being heard Page 18 How to influence change Page 19 How to gain support from professionals Page 20 Knowing your audience Page 20 Methods of communication Page 21-22 Pursuing an issue: Who to use when and how Page 23-25 Pursuing an individual issue: Who to use when and how Page 26 Supporting others, supporting ourselves Page 27-30 Meetings: Organising a meeting / Taking minutes / Creating a meeting agenda / Chairing a meeting / Group agreements Page 31 When things go wrong – crisis and conflict Section 3: Palatable presentation - Communicating your message Page 32 Writing a formal letter Page 33 Writing successful emails Page 34 Using social media for communications and campaigns Page 35 Publicity Page 36 Organising Awareness Sessions Page 36 Organising Events Page 37 Giving presentations Page 38 Campaigning using Lobbying and petitions Page 39 Proving an argument: Research and evidence Section 4: Adding flavour - Further Resources Original resources included at Page 40 Using LEAP for effective project planning the back of this pack.
    [Show full text]
  • The Peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland
    The Peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland MANAGEMENT STRATEGY The Peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Contents # Foreword $ INTRODUCTION WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE PEATLANDS? $ # SO MANY TITLES % $ MANAGEMENT OF THE OPEN PEATLANDS AND ASSOCIATED LAND $ MANAGEMENT OF WOODLANDS IN AND AROUND THE PEATLANDS #$ % COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT #( ' SPREADING THE MESSAGE ABOUT THE PEATLANDS $ ( WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? $# Bibliography $$ Annex Caithness and Sutherland peatlands SAC and SPA descriptions $% Annex Conservation objectives for Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands SAC and SPA $' Acknowledgements $( Membership of LIFE Peatlands Project Steering Group $( Contact details for LIFE Peatlands Project funding partners $( Acronyms and abbreviations Bog asphodel Foreword As a boy I had the great privilege of spending my summers at Dalnawillan= our family home= deep in what is now called the “Flow Country” Growing up there it was impossible not to absorb its beauty= observe the wildlife= and develop a deep love for this fascinating and unique landscape Today we know far more about the peatlands and their importance and we continue to learn all the time As a land manager I work with others to try to preserve for future generations that which I have been able to enjoy The importance of the peatlands is now widely recognised and there are many stakeholders and agencies involved The development of this strategy is therefore both timely and welcome The peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland are a special place= a vast and
    [Show full text]
  • White Stork Ciconia Ciconia 253
    White Stork 20.Ciconia ciconia White Storks are conspicuous birds, weighing 3.5 kg and with a wingspan of 2 m. Each year they fl y up to 23 000 km between Europe and Africa. To avoid extended sea crossings, most White Storks tackle the Mediterranean Sea by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar or by diverting through Turkey and the Middle East, where half a million White Storks (and one million raptors) squeeze themselves into the bottleneck of Israel (Leshem & Yom-Tov 1996). This is an impressive sight, not only for birdwatchers but for anybody witnessing fl ocks of storks gaining height in thermals and gliding off in their preferred direction. In the words of David Lack (1966), a White Stork is “the most cherished of European birds. It breeds on houses and towers, also on platforms specially put up for it, and throughout its present breeding range in northern Europe it is protected not only by law but by universal sentiment”. Yet this could not stop the disastrous decline of breeding numbers in NW Europe during the 20th century. The species became extinct in Belgium (1895), Swit- zerland (1949), Sweden (1954), Italy (1960), The Netherlands (1991) and Denmark (1998). Considerable effort has been put into reintroduction efforts. Birds bred in captivity were released as young birds to breed in the wild. The 252 Living on the edge first ‘breeding stations’ were established in Switzerland in 1948, leading to the first free-ranging breeding pair in 1960. Breeding stations were also implemented in Belgium (1957), Alsace, France (1962), Baden-Württemberg, Germany (1968) and The Netherlands (1970).
    [Show full text]
  • Increase of White Stork Ciconia Ciconia Population Attracted by Artificial Nesting Platforms in Calabria, Italy
    R. Santopaolo, G. Godino, S. Golia, A. Mancuso et al. / Conservation Evidence (2013) 10, 67‐69 Increase of white stork Ciconia ciconia population attracted by artificial nesting platforms in Calabria, Italy Roberto Santopaolo*1, Gianluca Godino1, Salvatore Golia1, Antonio Mancuso1, Giuliano Monterosso1,, Mario Pucci1, Fernando Santopaolo1, Marco Gustin2 1 LIPU Sezione di Rende, Via Bertoni ‐ Arcavacata, 87030 Rende (CS), Italy 2 LIPU, Settore Conservazione, Via Udine 3/a, 43121 Parma, Italy SUMMARY Between 2002 and 2012, the return of breeding pairs of white storks to Calabria, Italy, was encouraged through the installation of 46 artificial circular wooden platforms, of which 35 were supported on masts, nine on utility poles, and two on iron poles. The first platform nest was built in 2007, when there were just three breeding pairs of white storks at the site. By 2012, eleven nests were on artificial platforms, and the total white stork population at these sites had risen to 12 pairs. Between 2007 and 2012, 103 juveniles fledged from 30 nests located on platforms. More young fledged from nests on artificial platforms (4.0 ± 1.0 per nest), than from nests located elsewhere (3.4 ± 0.9 per nest). These results show that artificial platforms installed in suitable areas can be an effective in helping to increase breeding populations of white storks. BACKGROUND LIPU (Italian League for the Protection of Birds) has been monitoring the white stork in Calabria since 2003 and has The white stork Ciconia ciconia is a polytypic species with shown that the most important action to facilitate the a European, Mediterranean, and Central Asia distribution establishment of a breeding population has been the installation (Brichetti & Gariboldi 1997).
    [Show full text]