no 15 2010
 

Pugacewicz E. 2010. Status of the Black Grouse population in the North-Podlasian Lowland in 1997-2002. Kulon 15: 1-19.

Eugeniusz Pugacewicz, ul Botaniczna 3, PL-17-200 Hajnówka,

Abstract. In 1997-2002, the occurrence of the Black Grouse was recorded  mainly in northern and eastern parts of the northern Podlasie. Its breeding ground was limited to 14% of the macroregion area, and it was 2.5 times smaller than in the period 1976-1985. The abundance of the total North-Podlasian population was estimated at 400-500 males, this accounting for  about 38% of the population of this species at that time. Three isolated sites of the occurrence of this species are noted in the macroregion: Biebrza fen (900 km2) with  150-220 cocks, Białostocko-Narwiański (1000 km2) – 165-200 cocks, and Bielsko-Drohicki (350 km2) – 50-80 cocks. Between the year 1977 and the period 1997-2002, the number of Black Grouses declined by a factor of 7. This rate of decline was lower by half than at the scale of the whole Poland in the same period. The number of cocks recorded in Northern Podlasie in 1997-2002 at different breeding sites ranged from 1 to 23, averaging 4.6 (N=90). In that period, the largest concentrations of breeding sites occurred in the Gródecko-Michałowska Basin (53 km2) – 8 leks with 46-52 cocks, and on Biebrzańskie Fens between Kapice and Ciszewo – 9 leks with 63-65 cocks on an area of  90 km2. We recorded 22 communal lekking arenas, 15 partially dispersed arenas, 38 dispersed arenas, and 15 cocks lekking singly. In northern Podlasie, Black Grouses occupied four habitat types. Most groups of these birds  (54%) were found in peatland, 18% occupied upland, 17% upland-peatland, and 11% forest (N=103). Female Black Grouses inhabited 26 habitat types in the breeding season. The density of hens in breeding refuges of the south-eastern part of the macroregion varied from 2.5 to 7.4 individuals (4.5 on the average, N=23). Breeding success was 47.5% (N=40) in 2000 and 54.5% (N=33) in 2001. The number of young produced was 1.4 per hen (N=40) and 2.9 per successful hen (N=13) in 2000. The respective figures in 2001 were 1.7 (N=33 and 3.1 (N=14). In contrast, the nesting success in the rainy 2004 was only 6.7%, the number of young produced was 0.13 per hen and 2.0 per successful hen (N=15). In families there were 1-6 young. Reproductive indices noted in this area were considerably lower than in large populations in Russia and Scandinavia. This may be an indication of a weak general condition of the north-Podlasian Black Grouse population. Wintering of the Black Grouse was recorded mainly within their breeding grounds and in their immediate neighborhood. But occasionally, these birds were encountered in winter at distances of up to 10 km from their breeding areas. In January-February 2000, winter flocks in the south-eastern part of the macroregion consisted of 8-30 birds (5-23 cocks and 1-5 hens. In this period, the female-male ratio was 1.1:1 (N=6). We recorded 11 cases of the depredation of adult Black Grouses. Predators included birds of prey in 8 cases and predatory mammals in 3 cases. Cocks were killed mainly at lekking arenas in spring  and hens at breeding sites. In 1999-2002, under the project of the active protection of Black Grouse in north-eastern Poland, 40 buffer zones were established around most important lekking arenas in south-eastern part of the macroregion, 23 buffer zones in the best breeding areas, and 13 zones protecting winter sites, covering from 0.5 to 1.6 km2. In 2004, all zones in the Gródecko-Michałowska basin were combined in one large (28 km2) protective area. The population inhabiting Biebrza fens is protected within the Biebrza National Park established in 1993.


Boguszewski P. 2010. Numbers and habitat selection in the Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius in forests of the Rawska Upland. Kulon 15: 21-33.

Przemysław Boguszewski, ul. Jana III Sobieskiego 24/38, PL-96-200 Rawa Mazowiecka, e-mail: przemyslawboguszewski@interia.pl

Abstract. Playback stimulation was used to count Black Woodpeckers. Counts were conducted  on an area of 2864 ha in managed state forests of 3 forest ranges (Central Poland) from mid-February to June 2008. The study area was dominated by pine stands. In total, 13 breeding pairs were recorded. The density was 0.45 pair/100 ha of forested area. The distribution of pairs was relatively even and associated with  pine and oak stands over 80 years old. 


Pagórski P. 2010. WINTERING OF BIRDS IN THE SEASON 2008/2009 IN AN OPEN AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE NEAR MŁAW. Kulon 15: 35-48.

Piotr Pagórski, ul. Powstańców Wlkp. 3, PL-06-500 Mława, e-mail: tiktak-mlawa@tlen.pl

Abstract. The wintering of birds in an open agricultural landscape near Mława (NE Poland) in the winter season of 2008/2009 was observed on two plots. On each of them 19 bird species were wintering, Their densities were 95.5 ind./count/100 ha on plot Wiśniewo and 30.7 ind./count/100 ha on plot Podkrajewo. The most abundant species on plots Wiśniewo and Podkrajewo were the Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra (47.3 and 14.3 ind./count/100 ha, respectively), Redpoll Carduelis flammea (15.0 and 4.9), Greenfinch Carduelis chloris (5.6 and 2.1), also Linnet Carduelis cannabina (10.9) and Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (6.2) on plot Wiśniewo, and Twite Carduelis flavirostris (2.9 ind./count/100 ha) on plot Podkrajewo. Corn Bunting reached very high densities in December, 110.3 and 41.2 ind./count/100 ha on plots Wiśniewo and Podkrajewo, respectively. As compared with the densities of wintering birds on all the study plots surveyed so far in the Mazovian Lowland, five bird species wintering near Mława had highest densities: Twite on plot Podkrajewo and Corn Bunting, Redpoll, Linnet, and Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria (5.3 ind./count/100 ha) on plot Wiśniewo


Wojdan D., Kasprowicz M. 2010. HERPETOFAUNA OF THE JELENIOWSKI LANDSCAPE PARK. Kulon 15: 49-56.

Dariusz Wojdan, Instytut Biologii, Uniwersytet Humanistyczno-Przyrodniczy Jana Kochanowskiego, PL-25-406 Kielce, ul. Świętokrzyska 15
Magdalena Kasprowicz, PL-27-500 Opatów, ul. Partyzantów 26

Abstract. The Jeleniowski Landscape Park, located in central part of the Świętokrzyskie Province (4188 ha), was established to protect the eastern fragment of the former Świętokrzyska Forest. In an area including the Jeleniowskie Hill Range there are 3 nature reserves. The Park covers almost exclusively forest communities of the Jeleniowska, Szczytniak, Wesołówka, and Truskolaska Hills. The study concerned the occurrence of amphibians and reptiles, the biology and reproduction of selected species, also threats to them and their protection. In 2008-2009, the following species were recorded: Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris, Alpine newt Mesotriton alpestris, Common toad Bufo bufo, Pool frog Pelophylax lessonae, Green frog Pelophylax kl. esculentus, Common frog Rana temporaria, Moor frog Rana arvalis, Sand lizard Lacerta agilis, Common lizard Zootoca vivipara, Blind-worm Anguis fragilis, and Adder Vipera berus. Major threats to herpetofauna include excessive human penetration, setting fire, contamination of water bodies, and devastation of forests and boulder fields. 


Wojdan D., Dudek K. 2010. HERPETOFAUNA OF THE SIERADOWICKI LANDSCAPE PARK. Kulon 15: 57-64.

Dariusz Wojdan, Instytut Biologii, Uniwersytet Humanistyczno-Przyrodniczy Jana Kochanowskiego, PL-25-406 Kielce, ul. Świętokrzyska 15
Katarzyna Dudek, PL-27-220 Mirzec, Malcówki 13

Abstract. The Sieradowicki Landscape Park (12106 ha), located in the northern part of the Świętokrzyskie Province, was established to protect north-eastern part of the former Świętokrzyska Forest (so-called Siekierzyńskie Forests). The Park is dominated by forest communities (85%), moreover there are meadows cultivated fields, and localities. In the area of Sieradowickie Range, part of Suchedniowski Plateau, and in neighbouring areas there are 3 nature reserves. The study was focused on the occurrence of amphibians and reptilians, reproduction of selected species, also threats to them and protective measures. In 2008-2009, the following species were recorded: Smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris, Common toad Bufo bufo, Green tree frog Hyla arborea, Pool frog Pelophylax lessonae, Green frog Pelophylax kl. esculentus, Marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus, Common frog Rana temporaria, Moor frog Rana arvalis, Sand lizard Lacerta agilis, Blind -worm Anguis fragilis, Grass snake Natrix natrix and Adder Vipera berus. The major threats to herpetofauna include excessive human penetration, changes in water regime (especially drying up ponds) and motor -vehicle traffic.


Wilk T., Langowski A. 2010. FIRST RECORD OF THE LITTLE AUK ALLE ALLE IN CENTRAL POLAN. Kulon 15: 65-67.

Tomasz Wilk, Ogólnopolskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Ptaków, ul. Odrowąża 24,
PL-05-270 Marki k. Warszawy, e-mail: tomasz.wilk@otop.org.pl
Andrzej Langowski, ul. Czajki 1, PL-05-126 Nieporęt k. Warszawy,
e-mail: andrzej.langowski@gdos.gov.pl

Abstract. On 3 October 2009, one Little Auk Alle alle was observed on Żerański canal near Aleksandrów, Mazovian Province (52°23’56’’N, 21°02’33’’E). This is the 13th record of this arctic species in Poland and the second inland record in the country. This is also one of the rare inland records of this species in Central Europe


Lewtak J. 2010. THE THIRD RECORD  OF THE LONG-TAILED SKUA STERCORARIUS LONGGICAUDUS IN THE MAZOVIAN LOWLAND. Kulon 15: 67-68.

Jerzy Lewtak, ul. Tetmajera 8, PL-21-500 Biała Podlaska, e-mail: j.lewtak@gmail.com

Abstract. On 8 September, I observed a juvenile Long-tailed skua Stercorarius longicaudus on crop fields near Stara Kornica (52°10’ 04,8’’ N, 22°57’ 55,0’’ E). On the fourth day of observation it was transported to an avian asylum, where it died of aspergillosis. This is the third record of this species in the Mazovian Lowland.


Dębowski P. 2010. THE FIRST RECORD OF A JUVENILE ROSE-COLOURED STARLING IN THE ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE MOUNTAINS. Kulon 15: 68-75.

Piotr Dębowski, ul. Piotrkowska 86, Modliszewice, PL-26-200 Końskie,
e-mail: debowski_p@yahoo.com

Abstract. On the fourth of September a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling was observed near Modliszewice in Końskie district (51°12’N, 20°21’E). That was the first record of thisspecies after 1856 in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Accepted by the Avifaunistic Commission .


Ciach M. 2010. RECORD OF THE WATER PIPIT ANTHUS SPINOLETTA IN THE ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE MOUNTAINS. Kulon 15: 76-77.

Michał Ciach, Katedra Dziedzictwa Przyrodniczo-Kulturowego, Ekologii Zwierząt i Łowiectwa, Wydział Leśny, Uniwersytet Rolniczy, al. 29 Listopada 46, PL-31-425 Kraków, e-mail: michal.ciach@ur.krakow.pl

Abstract. On 28 March 2010, Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta was recorded on fish-ponds in Górki near Wiślica (50°21’19”N; 20°43’57”E). Historical records of this species in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and their vicinity are very vague. The described observation is the first, undoubted record of Water Pipit in the region.


Stępień Ł., Figarski T., Sieczak K. 2010. NEW SITES OF THE BEE-EATER MEROPS APIASTER IN SOUTHERN MAZOVIAS. Kulon 15: 77-79.

Łukasz Stępień, Ruda Wielka 29, 26-680, e-mail: lukaszstepienrw@wp.pl                    
Tomasz Figarski, ul. Sienkiewicza 9/10, PL-26-600 Radom,
e-mail: t.figarski@wp.pl                       
Karol Sieczak, ul. P. Nerudy 2/90, PL-01-926 Warszawa, e-mail: ksieczak@onet.eu

Abstract. Three new sites of the Bee-eater Merops apiaster were recorded in southern Mazovia (Central Poland). On 29 July 2009, in an active sandpit 20 km south of Radom, three adult birds were observed, and one active burrow was found in a sandy escarpment. The tree adults and the young in the burrow were observed on 4 August. The second site was found on 12 June 2010 in an abandoned sandpit 25 km south of Radom. Two adult birds digging a burrow were observed. On 2 August, two adults and the young were recorded. The third site was found on 18 July 2010 in an active sandpit 5 km north of Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą. These were two adults and an active burrow. These are the second, third and fourth cases of the Bee-eater nesting in southern Mazovia, and 9th-11th in the Mazovian region.


Kurkowski Ł. 2010. THE FIRST OBSERVATION OF THE HAZEL HEN BONASA BONASIA IN THE GÓRZNIEŃSKO-LIDZBARSKI LANDSCAPE PARK. Kulon 15: 80-81.

Łukasz Kurkowski, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika, Instytut Ekologii i Ochrony Środowiska, Zakład Zoologii Kręgowców, ul. Gagarina 9, PL-87-100 Toruń

Abstract. In October 2006, two males and one female of the Hazel Hen Bonasa bonasia were observed in the Górznieńsko-Lidzbarski Landscape Park. The birds were beyond the area of permanent occurrence of this species in Poland. 


Kajtoch Ł. 2010. EARLY ARRIVAL OF THE RING OUZEL TURDUS TORQUATUS IN THE REGION OF LIMANOWA IN 2007. Kulon 15: 81-82.

Łukasz Kajtoch, Instytut Systematyki i Ewolucji Zwierząt PAN, ul. Sławkowska 17, PL-31-016 Kraków, e-mail: kajtoch@isez.pan.krakow.pl

Abstract. In Poland, Ring Ouzels nest only in the Carpathian and Sudeten Mountains. Typically, they arrive late in March or early in April. In 2007, several males (also singing) were noted much earlier, on 7, 11, and 18 March, in the Insular Beskids. These birds were recorded at the forest-pasture border, much lower (500-600 m below sea level) than the breeding range of this species in the mountains. This early arrival was likely to be due to warm winter and early spring in 2007. It is probable that Ring Ouzels and other montane birds (e.g. pipits Anthus spinoletta) arrive and wait at lower elevations until snow melting at higher elevations.


Dębowski P., Błędowski W., Dus M. 2010. REAT CONCENTRATION  OF THE JACK SNIPE LYMNOCRYPTES MINIMUS IN THE RIVER NIDA VALLEY. Kulon 15: 83-84.

Piotr Dębowski, ul. Piotrowska 86, Modliszewice, PL-26-200 Końskie

Abstract. On 13 April 2004, eleven Jack Snipes were observed  on wet meadows in the Nida valley near Szczytniki (50°19’N, 20°42’E). This was the greatest concentration of this species in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.


Żurawlew P. 2010. OCCURRENCE OF THE WASP SPIDER ARGIOPE BRUENNICHI (SCOPOLI, 1772) IN THE PLESZEWSKI COUNTY (WIELKOPOLSKA). Kulon 15: 85-87.

Przemysław Żurawlew, Kwileń 67A, PL-63-313 Chocz, e-mail: grusleon@gmail.com

Abstract. The article provides information on unpublished sites of the wasp spider Argiope bruennichi found in the District of Pleszew (south-eastern Wielkopolska) in 1998-2009. The most frequent sites were located along borders of ditches, small rivers, peat-pits, ponds, clay-pits, also on meadows. Males on webs were also found on Savin juniper Juniperus sabina and false cypress Chamaecyparis sp., also in the creeper Parthenocissus sp. climbing a building, on an abandoned concrete ring of a well, and in a field of maize Zea mays. This provides evidence for a high plasticity of this species in terms of habitat selection.


Żurawlew P. 2010. THE BIGGEST FLOCK OF RECORDS OF  THE BUG CERCOPIS VULNERATA ILLIGER IN ROSSI, 1807 (HEMIPTERA, AUCHENORRHYNCHA, CERCOPIDAE) IN SOUTHERN WIELKOPOLSKA. Kulon 15: 89-91.

Przemysław Żurawlew, Kwileń 67A, PL-63-313 Chocz, e-mail: grusleon@gmail.com

Abstract. The article provides information on Cercopis vulnerata records from 14 UTM squares in southern Wielkopolska (western Poland). In Poland, this bug was known from montane and submontane regions, and from the Pomeranian Lakeland. Single individuals found in lowland were considered to be brought with the wind from the mountains.  Observations of Cercopis vulnerata from southern Wielkopolska confirm the suggestion that previously this species was mistaken for a similar species, the froghopper C. sanguinolenta (Scopoli, 1763).