no 17 2012
 

Woźniak B., Chodkiewicz T., Chylarecki P., Chmielewski Sł., Dombrowski A., Goławski A. 2012. CHANGES IN NUMBERS OF COMMON BREEDING BIRDS IN THE MAZOVIAN LOWLAND IN 2000-2011. Kulon 17: 1-30.

Bartłomiej Woźniak, Tomasz Chodkiewicz, Ogólnopolskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Ptaków, ul. Odrowąża 24, PL-05-270 Marki,
e-mail: accipiter.nisus@wp.pl, tomasz.chodkiewicz@otop.org.pl
Przemysław Chylarecki, Muzeum i Instytut Zoologii PAN, ul. Wilcza 64, PL-00-679 Warszawa, e-mail: pch@miiz.waw.pl
Sławomir Chmielewski, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Rynek 12, PL-05-640 Mogielnica, e-mail: sch6@wp.pl
Andrzej Dombrowski, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Świerkowa 18, PL-08-110 Siedlce, e-mail: adomb@wp.pl
Artur Goławski, Katedra Zoologii, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczo-Humanistyczny, ul. Prusa 12, PL-08-110 Siedlce

Abstract. Common Breeding Birds Survey (MPPL) in Poland has been conducted since 2000. In 2000-2011, 622 surveys were made on 97 monitoring sites located in the Mazovian Lowland. In total, 162 bird species were recorded, of which 4 reached an occupancy of over 90%: Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, Skylark Alauda arvensis and Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Species, which are more common in Mazovia than in other regions of the country include mainly birds associated with extensive agriculture, whereas species less common were typical forests and wetlands specialists. Regional trends were calculated for 64 species, including 39 for which directional changes in this index could be determined. Of this group, 9 species increased, 13 declined, and 17 were stable. Indices for Lapwings Vanellus vanellus in Mazovia were heavily biased by migrating flocks observed in June. A true picture of changes in numbers of this species can be obtained only from early spring counts.


Dombrowski A., Kot H., Michałowski D., Goławski A., Kozik R., Chmielewski Sł. 2012. BREEDING AVIFAUNA OF THE SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA FOR BIRDS IN THE LIWIEC VALLEY. Kulon 17: 31-64.

Andrzej Dombrowski, Henryk Kot, Radosław Kozik, Zakład Planowania Przestrzennego i Badań Ekologicznych, ul. Traugutta 8, PL-08-110 Siedlce
Artur Goławski, Katedra Zoologii, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczo-Humanistyczny, ul. Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce
Dariusz Michałowski, PL-07-100 Węgrów, ul. Aleja Siedlecka 28/4
Sławomir Chmielewski, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Rynek 12, PL-05-640 Mogielnica

Abstract. In 2011, five diurnal and one nocturnal bird censuses were made in the Liwiec Valley, and 8-11 censuses on fish ponds located in the Special Protection Area for birds in the Liwiec Valley (PLB 140002). Within the SPA, 138 nesting or probably nesting bird species were recorded, of which 84 were monitored (tab. 1). Most abundant species comprised Sand Martin Riparia riparia, Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia, Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio, Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis, Corncrake Crex crex, and Mallard Anas platyrhynchos. In 2011, we recorded 21 nesting or probably nesting species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive. Only one species, Corncrake, qualified the Liwiec Valley to the SPA of the Natura 2000 network, and the minimum number of males recorded was 264 (estimated – 300). Numbers of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio were similar. The remaining Natura 2000 species, that is, Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Black Stork Ciconia nigra, White Stork C. ciconia, White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Crane Grus grus, Spotted Crake Porzana porzana, Little Crake Porzana parva, Black Woodpecker Drocopus martius, Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius, Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria, Bluethroat Luscinia svecica, Woodlark Lullula arborea, Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris, Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana were less abundant. During the three ten-year periods (1982-2011), significant changes were observed in breeding populations of most species. Declining tendencies were observed in 33 species, and 57 species tended to increase. In different habitats of the Liwiec Valley, the total densities of birds on census plots ranged from 24.7 p/10 ha (meadow) to 69.8 p/10 ha (willow thickets). Especially high were densities of Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (13.5 p/10 ha) and Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus shoenobaenus (11.1 p/10 ha). On the meadow, the density of Skylark Alauda arvensis was 5.6 p/10 ha but that of Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava only 0.5 p/10 ha. On transects along the Liwiec river, the densities of birds ranged from 28.7 p/km to 68.5 p/km. 


Dombrowski A. 2012. DYNAMICS OF AVIFAUNA IN AN OPEN AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE SIEDLECKA UPLAND IN THE POST-BREEDING PERIOD. Kulon 17: 65-80.

Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Świerkowa 18, PL-08-110 Siedlce, e-mail: adomb@wp.pl

Abstract. In the period of 4 August, 1990-29 April, 1991, 27 bird censuses were conducted along a 17-km transect in an open agricultural landscape near Siedlce. A total of 60 bird species were recorded over the post-breeding period, represented by 22 235 individuals, with a mean density of 486.3 ind/census/10 km. The most abundant species over the post-breeding period comprised Starling Sturnus vulgaris (31.4%; 152 ind/km/census), Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (17.6%; 85.4 ind/km/census), also Rook Corvus frugilegus, Skylark Alauda arvensis and Linnet Carduelis cannbina. Six phenological periods were identified with respect to the species richness and density of most species. Also number dynamics of particular species classified with respect to their migratory status, such as residents, short-distance migrants, and long-distance migrants, showed differences within these categories. Significant differences were found in mean densities of 24 species between the Rawska Upland and the Siedlecka Upland. In all periods, 11 species were more abundant in the Rawska Upland: Linnet, Fieldfare Turdus pilaris, Tree Sparrow Passer montanus, Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, Greenfinch Carduelis chloris, Skylark, Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis, Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, Magpie Pica pica, Swallow Hirundo rustica, and Buzzard Buteo buteo. In the Siedlecka Upland, 5 species were more abundant in all periods: Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra, Raven Corvus corax, Hooded Crow Corvus cornix, Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis, and Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. Differences between these mesoregions were mainly dependent on habitat differences, especially on the proportion of orchards. In autumn, similar densities were found for Partridge Perdix predix, Starling, Dunnock Prunella modularis, and Chaffinch. The species richness of the birds of prey and waterbirds was similar in both regions


Chmielewski Sł., Łukaszewicz M. 2012. AWIFAUNA OF THE DOMANIÓW RESERVOIR. Kulon 17: 81-99

Sławomir Chmielewski, ul. Rynek 12, PL-05-640 Mogielnica, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, e-mail: sch6@wp.pl
Marcin Łukaszewicz, ul. Nadrzeczna 18, PL-26-630 Jedlinia-Letnisko, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, e-mail: lukaszewicz-m@wp.pl

Abstract. Domaniów Reservoir (51°24’N, 20°50’E) was constructed in 2001 (water surface area of 500 ha). As a result, a fragment of the Radomka Valley with fish ponds located in the valley was flooded. The paper summarizes data on the avifauna of the Domianów Reservoir collected by different observers in 2001-2011. Regular data were collected in 2007-2011. In that period, from 30 to 32 species of breeding waterbirds Non-Passeriformes were recorded. Over the whole census period, 87 species of waterbirds were recorded on reservoir and its surroundings. The process of reservoir „aging” caused the disappearance or decline in 4 species: Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena, Garganey Anas querquedula, Little Ringed Plover Charadriu dubius, and Ringed Plover Ch. Hiaticula, Numbers of Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, Mute Swan Cygnus olor, and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus increased. In 2007-2008, maximum monthly numbers of waterbirds recorded on the reservoir were about 600 ind/census in winter: December-January, about 1800 in early spring: February-March, about 1500 in the breeding season: April-July, and about 1600 in autumn: August-November. In 2007, 73 pairs of Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybryda nested on the reservoir, qualifying this area to the Natura 2000 network. However, because of a relatively common nesting of this species in Poland, only 11 key areas were designated for this species, and this reservoir was not included. Location of the Domaniów Reservoir in the area of fish ponds accounted for an increase in the populations of Great Crested Grebe and Coot Fulica atra, and precluded nesting of Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. At least 8 new species appeared: Teal A. crecca, Shoveler A. clypeata, Gadwall A. strepera, Whiskered Tern, Common Snipe G. gallinago, Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, Black-necked Grebe P. nigricollis, and Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus. 


Polakowski M., Lenkiewicz W. 2012. THE FIRST RECORDS OF GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE ANSER ALBIFRONS FLAVIROSTRIS IN POLAND AND THE FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF THIS SUBSPECIES OF THE WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE ANSER ALBIFRONS. Kulon 17: 101-106.

Michał Polakowski, ul. Zachodnia 30A/8, PL-15-345 Białystok, e-mail: polnocne.podlasie@gmail.com
Wiesław Lenkiewicz, ul. Szpitalna 3/14, PL-53-511 Wrocław, e-mail: vlen@vp.pl

Abstract. In the years 2004-2012, a total of five Greenland White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons flavirostris were found in Poland for the first time. The birds were seen in the Biebrza Basin (3 records) and in the Barycz Valley (2 records). All records were accepted by the Polish Avifaunistic Commission. Observations of the Greenland White-fronted Geese are regular (rare) in western part of Europe and accidental in Poland, but the number of records increases here in accordance with birdwatchers being more interested in observing geese, and better optical equipment used in recent years. As a result, we expect more records of this subspecies of White-fronted Goose in the nearest future. Diagnostic details are also given in the paper.


Stolarz P., Lesiński G. 2012. VERTEBRATES IN DIET OF TAWNY OWL STRIX ALUCO IN NATURE RESERVE „BAGNO JACKA” AND SURROUNDING AREA. Kulon 17: 107-110.

Przemysław Stolarz, Centrum Ekologii Człowieka, ul. Kościuszki 24, PL-05-075 Warszawa, e-mail: pstolarz@amwaw.edu.pl
Grzegorz Lesiński, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, ul. Nowoursynowska 159c, PL-02-787 Warszawa, e-mail: glesinski@wp.pl

Abstract. We analysed pellets of the tawny owl from the Bagno Jacka nature reserve (transitional bog and wet birch forest) and the surrounding pine forests (eastern part of Warsaw, central Poland). Material was collected from August 2011 to August 2012. 462 individuals were identified: 245 mammals (53%), 172 amphibians (37.2%) and 45 birds (9.8%). Mammals were represented by 12 species. Most frequent were: Yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis 10.4%, Common vole Microtus arvalis 9.3%, Bank vole Myodes glareolus 9.1%, and Common shrew Sorex araneus 4.8%. Most interesting species were: Pygmy shrew S. minutus, Common noctule Nyctalus noctula, Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, Field vole Microtus agrestis, and Harvest mouse Micromys minutus


Wojdan D. 2012. HERPETOFAUNA OF THE PARKOWE NATURE RESERVE. Kulon 17: 111-119.

Pracownia Ochrony Przyrody, Instytut Biologii, Uniwersytet Jana Kochanowskiego, PL-25-406 Kielce, ul. Świętokrzyska 15

Abstract. The Parkowe landscape nature reserve (total area – 159,92 ha) was established in the estern part of the Śląskie Province to protect part of the Wiercica river valley. The area of the reserve is generally wet and covert forest communities and fish ponds. The research included inventory of amphibians and reptiles, breeding ecology of chosen species and identification of threats, along with determining necessary protection measures. In the years 2006-2007 the following species were found: Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris L., Common Toad Bufo bufo L., Common Frog Rana temporaria L., Moor Frog Rana arvalis Nilss., Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae Cam., Edible Frog Pelophylax kl. esculentus L., Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis L., Slow Worm Anguis fragilis L. and Grass Snake Natrix natrix L. The main danger for herpetofauna results from deadly collisions of migrating amphibians with cars. What is worse, there were observed well as high pressure to the environment form tourism.


Wojdan D. 2012. HERPETOFAUNA OF THE STAWKI LANDSCAPE PARK. Kulon 17: 121-128.

Pracownia Ochrony Przyrody, Instytut Biologii, Uniwersytet Jana Kochanowskiego, PL-25-406 Kielce, ul. Świętokrzyska 15

Abstract. The Stawki Landscape Park (total area – 1745 ha) was established in the eastern part of the Śląskie Province to protect the northern part of the Złoty Potok Forest. The area of the Park is generally wet and covers forest communities and fish ponds. The research included inventory of amphibians and reptiles, breeding ecology of chosen species and identification of threats, along with determining necessary protection measures. In the years 2006-2007, the following species were found: Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus Laur., Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris L., European Fire-bellied Toad Bombina bombina L., Common Toad Bufo bufo L., European Tree Frog Hyla arborea L., Common Frog Rana temporaria L., Moor Frog Rana arvalis Nilss., Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae Cam., Edible Frog Pelophylax kl. esculentus L., Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus Pall., Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis L., Viviparous Lizard Zootoca vivipara Jacquin, Slow Worm Anguis fragilis L., Grass Snake Natrix natrix L. and Common European Adder Vipera berus L. The main threats to herpetofauna result from unfavorable changes in water conditions, leading to a decrease in water level and drying out of water bodies. In addition, the observed grass burning, excessive human penetration, littering, and water pollution are dangerous.


Murawski M., Antczak K. 2012. THE SECOND RECORD OF THE AVOCET RECURVIROSTRA AVOSETTA NESTING IN THE MAZOVIAN LOWLAND. Kulon 17: 129-131.

Marek Murawski, ul. Armii Krajowej 18/22, PL-06-400 Ciechanów, e-mail: merops@vp.pl
Krzysztof Antczak, os. Książąt Mazowieckich 6/41, PL-06-500 Mława, e-mail: kuba.antczak@wp.pl

AbstractOn 6 May 2012, we recorded a pair of Avocets and their nest, also two nonbreeding individuals on sewage sedimentation tanks of the sugar-plant at Glinojeck. On 13 May, we noticed that the birds lost the nest as a result of flooding, and they built a nest in another place. It contained two eggs that were incubated. On May 20, we did not find the birds, and major parts of all shoals and islets were flooded. The birds lost the nest and deserted that site. This is the second record of the Avocet nesting in the Mazowian Lowland. This observation is approved by the Avifaunistic Commission of the Polish Zoological Society.


Dombrowski A., Trębicki Ł., Tomaszewski A., Parapura A., Polak A., Stefaniuk A., Wódecki M., Zontek M., Sikora M., Cmoch M. 2012. OCCURRENCE OF THE ROOK CORVUS FRUGILEGUS IN THE SIEDLCE COUNTY IN 2012. Kulon 17: 131-136.

Andrzej Dombrowski, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Świerkowa 18, PL-08-110 Siedlce, e-mail: adomb@wp.pl

Abstract. During 11-23 April 1012, breeding colonies of the Rook Corvus frugilegus were inventoried in the Siedlce County (1412. 82 km2, eastern Poland). A total of 2112 nests were found in 11 colonies located in 6 counties and 2 towns. Four largest colonies (>200 nests) comprised 87% of the total population in this county. Numbers of Rooks in 2012 continued to decrease. From 1983, 1159 pairs disappeared, or 35.4% of the population. The mean annual rate of decline was 3.9%, and it was lower than in the preceding period (1998-2003), when it reached 5.4%. The highest declines occurred in the four largest breeding colonies. In two colonies numbers were reduced to less than half, in one colony to less than one-third, and one colony disappeared after tree cultivation treatments. The causes of this declining trend are unknown, but they coincide with similar trends in other parts of Poland.


Miłkowski M. 2012. THE OCCURENCE OF SCOLIA HIRTA SCHRANK, 1781 (HYMENOPTERA, SCOLIIDAE) IN VICINITY OF RADOM. Kulon 17: 137-138.

ul. Królowej Jadwigi 19 m 21, PL-26-600 Radom, e-mail: milkowski63@wp.pl

Abstract. The paper presents information about new localities of Scolia hirta (Hymenoptera, Scoliidae), the species listed on the Polish Red Data Book of Animals (category VU). 


Miłkowski M. 2012. CUCUJUS CINNABERINUS (SCOPOLI, 1763) (COLEOPTERA: CUCUJIDAE) WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF RADOM. Kulon 17: 139-141.

ul. Królowej Jadwigi 19 m 21, PL-26-600 Radom, e-mail: milkowski63@wp.pl

Abstract. This article presents some information about the occurrence of Cucujus cinnaberinus (Coleoptera: Cucujidae). C. cinnaberinus as a species strictly protected by the Polish law as well as by the Bern Convention, and is listed in the Habitats Directive of the European Union. The beetles and their larvae have been found in a small poplar wood, planted in the 1970s in the river Mleczna Valley. The discovery of C. cinnaberinus near the town centre shows the necessity of creation and protection of ecological corridors like river valleys. The poplar wood in the Mleczna Valley should be protected as the environment of saproxylic beetles rare on European scale.


Łukaszewicz M., Kasprzykowski Zb., Rowiński P. 2012. REPORT ON WINTER BIRD COUNTS IN RIVER VALLEYS OF THE MAZOVIAN LOWLAND IN JANUARY 2012. Kulon 17: 143-151.

Marcin Łukaszewicz, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Nadrzeczna 18, PL-26-630 Jedlnia-Letnisko, e-mail: lukaszewicz-m@wp.pl
Zbigniew Kasprzykowski, Katedra Ekologii i Ochrony Środowiska, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczo-Humanistyczny, ul. Prusa 12, PL-08-110 Siedlce, e-mail: zbykas@uph.edu.pl
Patryk Rowiński, Samodzielny Zakład Zoologii Leśnej i Łowictwa, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, ul. Nowoursynowska 159, PL-02-776 Warszawa, e-mail: nuthatch@wp.pl

Abstract. During 14-22 January 2012, birds wintering in river valleys of Mazovia were counted. Observations were conducted along 15 rivers, and also in towns – Warsaw, Radom, and Skierniewice, and on dam reservoirs (Zegrzyński, Sulejowski, Domaniów, and Siczki). A total of 1187 km of river courses and reservoirs were surveyed: rivers Wisła (225 km), Pilica (195 km), Bug (115 km), Liwiec (95 km), Radomka (70 km), Narew (160 km), Rawka (65 km), Drzewiczka (35 km), Wkra (30 km), Iłżanka (30 km), Bzura (55 km), Zagożdżonka (25 km), Zwolenka (25 km), Mogielanka (10 km), and Jeziorka (10 km), reservoirs Zegrzyński (20 km), Sulejowski (15 km), Domaniów (5 km), and Siczki (2 km). Wisła was surveyed with ponds in Wilga, Liwiec with ponds in Siedlce, and Radomka with ponds in Piastów. The winter of 2011/2012 was mild, cloudiness from medium to large, and occasional rainfall. At least 110 bird species were recorded, represented by nearly 92 thousand individuals, including 44 species of waterbirds represented by 68 115 individuals. The dominant species comprised Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (74.3%), Common Gull Larus canus (5.5%), Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (4.6%) and Goosander Mergus merganser (3.5%). Among land birds, 66 species were noted, represented by 23 625 individuals. The dominant species included Siskin Carduelis spinus (19.1%), Fieldfare (11.7%), Great Tit (9.9%) and Jackda/w (7.7%). The mean density was 201.6 ind/10 km.