Jantarski M. 2024. ABUNDANCE OF BREEDING DUCKS ANATINAE ON FISH PONDS IN POLAND IN 2022-2024. Kulon 29: 3-26.

Michał Jantarski, ul. Nowowiejska 5/137, PL-25-532 Kielce, e-mail: mjantarski@gmail.com

Abstract. In 2022-2024 in the half of May, the counts of ducks were carried out within the large-scale census on fish ponds of a total area of 26,815 ha (33% of the entire area of fish ponds in Poland). Similar counts on the same water bodies were also conducted in 2016-2018 and 2019-2021. In total, 39,985 ducks were recorded (an increase of 14% over 3 years) representing 15 species. The total number of female diving ducks was 7,860, the same as in the previous period. 3,288 females of the Common Pochard Aythya ferina were recorded (3 years earlier: 3,516, and 6 years earlier: 2,877) and the mean density was 1.2 female/10 ha, 4,381 females of the Tufted Duck A. fuligula were also recorded (3 years earlier: 4,182, and 6 years earlier: 4,754) and their mean density was 1.6 female/10 ha. The highest densities of the Common Pochard females (3.1 female/10 ha) were noted on the fish ponds in the Kielce region, while in the Tufted Duck (3.3 female/10 ha) on fish ponds in the Upper Vistula and Oder rivers, where over several years a very stable population has been documented (regularly about 2,300 females). A very strong increasing trend (in the subsequent three-year periods 48, 63, and 125 females were noted, respectively) has been shown in the Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina. This species increased its numbers on traditional breeding sites, i.e., Łężczok and Wielikąt in the Upper Oder River, moreover, it also started to breed in the majority of fish ponds in the Upper Vistula River and the Barycz Valley. The number of the Ferruginous Duck A. nyroca varied in the subsequent study periods: 69, 98, and 66 females. In 2022-2024 breeding populations of diving ducks in Poland were: Red-crested Pochard 140-150 females; Common Pochard 6,000-7,000 females; Ferruginous Duck 90-100 females, and the Tufted Duck 7,400-8,800 females. Over the years the population of the Gadwall Mareca strepera (865, 1,094, and 1,130 females) has been steadily increasing, while its density was very similar all over Poland (range: 0.3-0.5 female/10 ha). An extreme increase (33%) in the number of males was recorded in the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (10,562), which most probably results from an earlier onset of the breeding season and the population increase. The results of this study falsify the flawed concepts of duck monitoring used for 17 years as part of the Monitoring of Birds of Poland and may constitute the basis for reliable quantitative assessments of breeding populations of diving ducks in Poland.

Dombrowski A. 2024.  INFLUENCE OF SPATIAL DIVERSITY OF MIDFIELD FORESTS OF THE SOUTH PODLASIE LOWLAND ON THE STRUCTURE OF BREEDING BIRD COMMUNITIES. Kulon 29: 27-45.

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

Abstract. The present study examined the breeding bird communities inhabiting 55 midfield forest islets with an area ranging from 0.04 ha to 57.0 ha (in total 200.29 ha) in the South Podlasie Lowland. The survey was conducted in 2003 using a combined cartographic method and performing 8 counts (7 in the early morning and one in the evening). A total of 55 breeding species were recorded, and from three up to 45 species were nesting in different forest islets. 2,248.5 breeding pairs were noted in total. The number of pairs varied from two (0.11 ha) to 368 pairs (57 ha) in a single forest islet. The most abundant species: Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (12.8% of the total number), Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (7.5%), European Robin Erithacus rubecula (5.7%) had a total of 584 pairs, constituting 26% of the entire breeding community. A subdominant group (3.0-4.9% of the breeding community) included 8 species, which composed 33.4% of the entire breeding community. The highest frequency of occurrence was noted in the Eurasian Chaffinch and Yellowhammer (94.5% each), moreover, 6 species exceeded 60% of the frequency: Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula, Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina, Great Tit Parus major, Ortolan Emberiza hortulana, and Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Birds foraging outside the forest comprised 33.1%, while those foraging in the forest – 66.9% of the total number. Species which preferred the forest edge accounted for 31.4%, and those of the inner part of the forest – 68.5%. The average area of the smallest forest inhabited by the species typical of the forest edge was 3.2 ha, while in the species of the inner part of the forest, it was more than twofold higher and equal to 7.2 ha. The number of species and breeding pairs showed a strong correlation with the area of the forest islet and its maximum width and length. The increase in the area of the forest islet and its perimeter were negatively correlated with the bird density. The increase in the perimeter influenced to the same extent increase in the number of breeding pairs of species typical of the edge and inner part of the forest. Furthermore, along with the increase in the length of the forest edge, the percentage of the forest edge species decreased, while the percentage share of the species of the inner part of the forest increased.

Dombrowski A. 2024. DENSITY OF BREEDING BIRDS IN THE EXTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE KURPIE PLAIN. Kulon 29: 47-55.

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

Abstract. In 2007, a survey of selected breeding species was carried out on a sample area of 9 km2 near Kadzidło in the Kurpie Plain (eastern Poland). The arable land – 46.8% and pastures and meadows – 44.4% covered the largest part of the study area, while there was also forest – 5.6% and rural settlements – 3.2%. 72 breeding or probably breeding species were recorded there, with 42 species assessed for their abundance. The most common were the Fieldfare Turdus pilaris (9.2 p/km²), Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (8.9 p/km²), Whinchat Saxicola rubetra (6.6 p/km²), European Serin Serinus serinus (4.2 p/km²), and the Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula (4.2 p/km²). It was found that the predictive species density model in the surveyed agricultural landscape of the Kurpie Plain adequately assessed the population density of 14 species, overestimated it for 8 species, and underestimated it for another 8 species. Four species (Common Quail Coturnix coturnix, Ortolan Emberiza hortulana, Tawny Pipit Corydalla campestris, Whinchat Saxicola rubetra) listed in “The red list of birds in Poland” showed a high density in the study site near Kadzidło.

Stolarz P, Lesiński G. 2024. SMALL VERTEBRATES IN THE DIET OF THE TAWNY OWL STRIX ALUCO IN THE NATURA 2000 SITE “POLIGON REMBERTÓW”. Kulon 29: 57-62.

Przemysław Stolarz, Centrum Ekologii Człowieka, ul.  Kościuszki 24, PL-05-075 Warszawa-Wesoła, e-mail: przem.stolarz@gmail.com
Grzegorz Lesiński, Instytut Nauk o Zwierzętach SGGW, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, PL-02-787 Warszawa, e-mail: grzegorz_lesinski@sggw.edu.pl

Abstract. From 2011 to 2024, we examined the diet of the Tawny Owl Strix aluco in the Natura 2000 site “Poligon Rembertów” (central Poland), which protects peat bogs, heathlands and pine forests in the dunes. We found remnants of 2,125 vertebrates: 1,322 mammals, 167 birds, 1 reptile, and 633 amphibians (Anura) in the prepared material. Among mammals (19 species: 4 soricomorphs, 4 bats, 11 rodents) the most common were the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus 10.6%, yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis 9.6%, root vole Microtus oeconomus  6.8%, and common vole M. arvalis 5.4%.

Tomaszewska J., Strużyński W. 2024. ASSESSMENT OF THE POPULATION STATUS AND HABITAT OF THE NOBLE CRAYFISH ASTACUS ASTACUS (LINNAEUS, 1758) (DECAPODA: ASTACIDAE) AT A NEW SITE IN THE SUBCARPATHIAN REGION OF POLAND. Kulon 29: 63-68.

Joanna Tomaszewska, ul. Jasna 92, PL-37-560 Pruchnik, e-mail: siatomaszewska123@gmail.com
Witold Strużyński, Katedra Biologii Środowiska Zwierząt, Instytut Nauk o Zwierzętach, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, PL-02-787 Warszawa, e-mail: witold_struzynski@sggw.edu.pl

Abstract. In 2023, an assessment was conducted at a new site for the noble crayfish Astacus astacus in the Pruchnik municipality. The research followed the methodology and procedures of the national monitoring program developed for this species (Strużyński 2015). Based on the results of the assessment, including population status, habitat, and conservation perspectives, the overall evaluation of this site was defined as favourable (FV). In comparison to the status of most sites included in the national monitoring program of the noble crayfish, the new site in the Pruchnik municipality supports a stable crayfish population and provides good habitat conditions.

Szymkiewicz M. 2024. NEW RECORDS OF THE SPIDER WASP PARABATOZONUS LACERTICIDA (PALLAS, 1771) (HYMENOPTERA: POMPILIDAE) IN THE MASURIAN LAKE DISTRICT. Kulon 29: 69-79.

Marian Szymkiewicz, e-mail: marian.szymkiewicz@wp.pl

Abstract. In 2022-2023, spider wasps of the species Parabatozonus lacerticida were observed on ten occasions in the southern part of the Masurian Lake District, i.e., in the Szczytno and Nidzica districts. These wasps were observed at 6 different locations, and from 1 up to 14 individuals were noted at each of them.

Żurawlew P. 2024. NEW RECORDS OF THE THREE-TOOTHED BULIN SNAIL CHONDRULA TRIDENS  (O.F. MÜLLER, 1774) (GASTROPODA: STYLOMMATOPHORA: ENIDAE) IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE WIELKOPOLSKA REGION. Kulon 29: 77-80.

Przemysław Żurawlew, Żbiki 45, PL-63-304 Czermin, Polska, e-mail: grusleon@gmail.com,
ORCID: 0000-0001-8043-7883

Abstract. This note provides information on three new records of the Three-toothed Bulin Snail Chondrula tridens (O. F. Müller, 1774). These snails were found near roads and railway tracks, which may indicate that the species has arrived with construction materials. Open, dry, and sunny sites along railways or roads are currently suitable replacement habitats for this species.

Strużyński W., Kutera M. 2024. NEW SITES OF CAUCASOTACHEA VINDOBONENSIS (C. PFEIFFER, 1828) (GASTROPODA: STYLOMMATOPHORA: HELICIDAE) IN THE VICINITY OF WARSAW. Kulon 29: 80-85

Witold Strużyński, Katedra Biologii Środowiska Zwierząt, Instytut Nauk o Zwierzętach SGGW, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, PL-02-787 Warszawa, e-mail: witold_struzynski@sggw.edu.pl
Marcin Kutera, Rudka 30, PL-27-415 Kunów, e-mail: marcin.kutera@poczta.onet.pl

Abstract.  Caucasotachea vindobonensis (C. Pfeiffer, 1828) is a European land snail from the Balkans. At the beginning of the XX century, several sites of this species were documented in the vicinity of Warsaw, Poland. This note presents new sites of this species located to the south of Warsaw, on the left bank of the Vistula River.

Gawrońska D., Gawroński J. 2024. FIRST RECORD OF THE WHITE-TAILED LAPWING VANELLUS LEUCURUS IN THE MAZOVIAN LOWLAND. Kulon 29: 87-88.

Dorota Gawrońska, Jarosław Gawroński, e-mail: djgawronscy@gmail.com

Abstract. On 25 May 2023, we observed an individual of the White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus on fish ponds in Jaktorów (52°06,517'N 20°31,986'E) in central Poland. The plumage of this bird was typical of an adult individual. We have also made photographic documentation. This was the first record of the species in the Mazovian Lowland.

Szczypiński P. 2024. FIRST RECORD OF THE OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT ANTHUS HODGSONI IN THE MAZOVIAN LOWLAND. Kulon 29: 89-90.

Piotr Szczypiński, e-mail: piotr_szczypa@op.pl

Abstract. On 21 September 2020 near the village of Brzozowo-Maje (53.246619, 20.636161), I recorded the voice of a flying Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni. This observation was verified and accepted by the Avifaunistic Commission of the Polish Zoological Society. This was the eighth record of this species in Poland, and the first case of identification of the Olive-backed Pipit documented only by its voice audio recording.

Dombrowski A., Wiewiórko T. 2024. AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF THE HOODED CROW CORVUS CORNIX TOWARDS A LEUCISTIC INDIVIDUAL OF THE SAME SPECIES. Kulon 29: 91-92.

Andrzej Dombrowski, e-mail: adomb@wp.pl

Abstract.  On 10 May 1999, in the vicinity of Rynia near Zegrze Reservoir (52°28.390'N 21°03.957'E), we observed a flock of 12 crows, which chased in flight a partly leucistic individual of the Hooded Crow Corvus cornix. The pursued bird had large white patches on its secondaries and rectrices. The flock caught that individual after a short chase. One of the typically coloured birds struck an albino crow on the head with its beak, and the bird died soon afterwards.

Lesiński G., Beuch S. 2024. BATS IN A SMALL SAMPLE OF FOOD OF THE TAWNY OWL STRIX ALUCO NEAR ŚWIERKLANIEC RESERVOIR IN THE UPPER SILESIA REGION. Kulon 29: 93-95.

Grzegorz Lesiński, Instytut Nauk o Zwierzętach, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, PL-02-786 Warszawa, e-mail:
grzegorz_lesinski@sggw.edu.pl
Szymon Beuch, Pracownia Badań Ornitologicznych, Muzeum i Instytut Zoologii PAN, ul. Twarda 51/55, PL-00-818 Warszawa, e-mail: sbeuch@miiz.waw.pl

Abstract. Single pellet of the Tawny Owl Strix aluco, collected on 10 May 2018 in Ossy (50.43°N, 18.98°E) (Upper Silesia region), contained remains of three preys, all of which were different bat species: northern bat Eptesicus nilssonii, common noctule Nyctalus noctula, and Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii. These bats were probably caught over wetlands adjacent to a water reservoir, an area where many bats intensively use to foraging. This is further evidence of the plasticity of the Tawny Owl in selecting hunting areas and its opportunistic predation.

Rapczyński J., Naber M., Sitko M. 2024. A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE FIELD ORNITHOLOGICAL STATION “OBÓZ WISŁA” IN THE MIDDLE VISTULA VALLEY IN 2023. Kulon 29: 97-110.

IJan Rapczyński, Koło Naukowe Leśników, Sekcja Ornitologiczna, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, ul. Nowoursynowska 166, PL-02-787 Warszawa, e-mail: janrapczynski@gmail.com
Magdalena Naber, Fundacja Ochrony Przyrody „Na Skrzydłach”, ul. Woronicza 78/172, PL-02-640 Warszawa, naber.magdalena@gmail.com
Magda Sitko, Fundacja Ochrony Przyrody „Na Skrzydłach”, ul. Woronicza 78/172, PL-02-640 Warszawa, e-mail: magda.sitko11@gmail.com

Abstract.  From 29 April to 21 October 2023, the fieldwork was carried out on Rembezy Island (51°58'N, 21°15'E) by the Foundation for Nature Conservation “Na Skrzydłach” and the Ornithological Section of the Foresters Scientific Club from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW). The work of the Field Ornithological Station „Obóz Wisła” focused on studying spring and autumn bird migration, as well as monitoring breeding species in the vicinity of the study site along with their active protection, particularly of waders, against human pressure. 3,664 passerines, including the most common Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla (n=637), were captured in approximately 200 m of mist nets located in the bushes. 686 birds representing Charadriiformes were captured with funnel traps, and the most numerous was the Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (n=243). Three individuals with foreign rings were controlled at our station. By 9 September 2024, 32 recoveries of 27 birds ringed in 2023 have been reported. The conservation of the Little Tern Sternula albifrons, Common Tern Sterna hirundo, Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Little Ringed Plover Ch. dubius, and the Common Gull Larus canus included many interventions conducted in the breeding colony and resulted in adequate breeding success.