Colour-ringing of Oystercatchers in the of Schleswig-Holstein,

Dominic Cimiotti Michael-Otto-Institut im NABU, Bergenhusen [email protected] Background

Since 2010: use of Dutch colour rings in the German Wadden Sea

Distribution of the STW ringsystem. Source: Wadertrack

R. Stecher

Who we are

Ilka Hoppe, Schutzstation Wattenmeer Angelika Kühn Hermann Hötker Dominic Cimiotti

Coordination:

Maria Schiffler working at Martin Kühn, National park ranger Interested: Frank Hofeditz and Sabrina Langhans Klaus Günther Rainer Rehm Overview ringing sites

Hallig Oland Actual study sites Hallig Langeneß Planned study sites

Pellworm

Numbers of c-ringed birds:

Meldorfer Bucht 63 ad + 3 juv. (2010-2012) Hedwigenkoog foreland Oland 47 juv. (2011-2012) Langeneß 9 juv. (2012) Meldorfer Bucht Hooge 9 juv. (2011) NABU study

Study site „Meldorfer Bucht“

Two sub-areas: • Helmsand (salt marsh)  national park • Meldorfer Speicherkoog ()  nature reserves, sheep farming

Scientific objectives: • survival rates • breeding success • migratory behaviour R. Stecher First results Meldorfer Bucht

Breeding success

• (nearly) no breeding success  only 3 chicks ringed • high predation rates of nests • chicks mainly on roofs

First results Meldorfer Bucht

Survival rates

• high survial from 2010 to 2011 • low survival from 2011 to 2012 (strong late-winter)

Annual return rates

100

90 80

rate rate (%) 70 60 50 40 30 20

Observed Observed return 10 0 2011 (n = 30) 2012 (n = 56) Year First results Meldorfer Bucht

Migratory behaviour

• only one record outside Meldorfer Bucht (dead bird on )

• several observations within study site in winter  stationary?

• use of light-level geolocators 2011 and 2012 (c. 30 birds)

A. Thorenmeier Outlook

• New study site ? (island with high numbers and breeding success)  comparison good/poor breeding sites (Meldorf/Pellworm)  ringing of chicks, juvenile survival

• Re-catch of birds with geolocators (Meldorfer Bucht)

• Up to 2 new study sites of other ringers (Hamburger Hallig, Hedwigenkoog)

Thank you for your attention!