Tabor J., Jaskuła R. 2025. A LARGE POPULATION OF ENDANGERED SAPROXYLIC BEETLE CUCUJUS CINNABERINUS (SCOPOLI, 1763) (COLEOPTERA: CUCUJIDAE) NEAR OSTROWIEC ŚWIĘTOKRZYSK. Kulon 30: 3-15.

Jacek Tabor, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Radomska 7, PL-26-670 Pionki, e-mail: jacektabor@poczta.onet.pl
Radomir Jaskuła, Katedra Zoologii Bezkręgowców i Hydrobiologii, Wydział Biologii i Ochrony Środowiska, Uniwersytet Łódzki, ul. Stefana Banacha 12/16, PL-90-237 Łódź, e-mail: radomir.jaskula@biol.uni.lodz.pl

Abstract. In the area of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, a significant population of Cucujus cinnaberinus was identified, mainly inhabiting forested loess ravines. Our surveys documented 36 sites in 22 ravines. Individuals were found on 39 trees representing 8 species. Mostly, it was the aspen Populus tremula, black poplar P. nigra, and the ash Fraxinus excelsior. The primary factors supporting the occurrence of this species are the abundant availability of dying and dead trees at various stages of decomposition, inaccessible terrain, and the absence of logging and timber harvesting. The documented population of Cucujus cinnaberinus was probably related to the strong population in the nearby Świętokrzyski National Park, located 9.1 km from the most distant sites. Given the favourable conservation prospects for this population, it is recommended to include the species on the list of protected objects and expand the nearest Natura 2000 areas: Kunowskie Hills (PLH260039) and Kamienna Valley (PLH260019).

Grędziński P. 2025.  COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND BREEDING SUCCESS OF BIRDS IN APPLE ORCHARDS NEAR CZERSK. Kulon 30: 17-38.

e-mail: piotr.gredzinski@gmail.com

Abstract. Apple orchards represent an important part of the natural agricultural landscape surrounding the villages of Czersk and Brzumin (Masovia). In 2007 and 2008, the population size and species composition of birds breeding in apple orchards, breeding phenology, as well as brood losses and their causes were studied. In an additional year (2011) a trail camera was used to identify predator species causing breeding losses. The most abundant species nesting in the orchards were the Blackbird Turdus merula, Fieldfare Turdus pilaris, Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, European Serin Serinus serinus, Common Linnet Linaria cannabina, and Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. The results indicated that breeding success was higher in the areas with lower nest density. Furthermore, brood losses among thrushes were found to be lower in cultivar trees compared to pollinator trees (those that enhance the pollination of cultivar trees). Predation was the main cause of brood losses.

Chmielewski S. 2025. BIRD COMMUNITY IN APPLE ORCHARDS. Kulon 30: 39-59.

ul. Rynek 12, PL-05-640 Mogielnica, e-mail: sch6@wp.pl

Abstract. In 2013, 2018, and 2020, a breeding bird survey was carried out with the nest search method in three orchards of varying ages covering a total area of 4.47 ha (1 ha, 1 ha, and 2.47 ha, respectively) in Grójec county, Central Poland. Thirteen species were recorded nesting in the study orchards. The most abundant were thrushes Turdinae, followed by the Eurasian Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, European Serin Serinus serinus, and Common Linnet Linaria cannabina. In the oldest orchard, the overall density of the first broods was very high, reaching 36 pairs/ha. In contrast, a much lower density was recorded in the orchard dominated by young trees, at 11.3 pairs/ha. The breeding density of the first broods for certain species, calculated per hectare of surveyed area, was exceptionally high; for example, in the Song Thrush Turdus philomelos and Common Blackbird Turdus merula it was up to 8 pairs/ha. The densities of the second broods of all species were lower than those noted for the first broods, ranging from 8.5 to 21 pairs/ha. Due to high breeding densities and, in some species, semicolonial nesting, the nest search method applied in this survey appears to be the most effective approach for determining the qualitative and quantitative composition of bird communities breeding in orchards. The limitations and disadvantages of the combined cartographic method in the survey of bird communities breeding in 21 small orchards ranging in size from 0.2 to 4.0 ha near Siedlce are discussed in this paper. The data collected using this method in small plots do not accurately reflect the actual composition of bird communities in this type of monocultural, simplified environment.

Kopij G. 2025. ALTAS OF BREEDING BIRDS OF NIEMODLIN TOWN, OPOLE SILESIA. Kulon 30: 61-80.

Katedra Ekologii Kręgowców, Instytut Biologii Środowiskowej, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu, ul. Kożuchowska 5b, PL-51-631 Wrocław, e-mail: grzegorz.kopij@up.wroc.pl

Abstract. The studies on the distribution and abundance of bird species breeding in Niemodlin town (Opole Silesia, SW Poland) were conducted in 2019. A total of 73 species were recorded. The most common were the House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Eurasian Tree Sparrow P. montanus, Great Tit Parus major, Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus, Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto, House Martin Delichon urbicum, Common Swift Apus apus, and Blackbird Turdus merula. For each of these species, at least 50 breeding pairs were recorded. Relatively common were the following species: Common Whitethroat Curruca communis, Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, Corn Bunting E. calandra, Common Reed Bunting S. schoeniclus, Common Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia, Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris, Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. On the other hand, the following species were relatively scarce in the town: Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula, Feral Pigeon Columba livia forma domestica, waterbirds, and woodpeckers.

Dombrowski A. 2025. BREEDING BIRD OF THE FLOODPLAIN OF THE MIDDLE VISTULA NEAR SOBIENIE-JEZIORY IN 1983. Kulon 30: 81-92.

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

Abstract. In 1983, a survey of 32 scarce breeding bird species was conducted in the agricultural landscape of the “Sobienie-Jeziory” study area (46 km²) to assess species density in the river valley situated on a mineral substrate. Within this area, two study plots: “Siedzów” (7 km2) and “Wilga” (13 km²) were designated to determine the breeding density of less common bird species. In total, 86 breeding bird species were recorded. The highest densities were recorded in the Magpie Pica pica (27.8 p./10 km²) and Rook Corvus frugilegus (23.5 p./10 km²). Among waterbirds, the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (21.3 p./10 km²) and Eurasian Coot Fulica atra (9.8 p./10 km²) were most abundant. The breeding density of the Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus was equal to 10.9 p./10 km², and of the Hooded Crow Corvus corone – 12.2 p./10 km². The nesting of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur in orchards was a distinctive feature of the study site. The high species richness of the breeding avifauna in the study area resulted from the highly diverse landscape structure in the floodplain of a large river. A significant number of waterbird species, mainly associated with oxbows, was characteristic of this area. The abundance of 37 bird species was assessed on the “Siedzów” and „Wilga” plots. The density of 16 species was higher in the “Siedzów” plot than in the “Wilga” plot, while the density of 14 species was higher at “Wilga”. Seven species showed similar densities at both plots. The most abundant breeding species at both plots were: Common Linnet (9.3 and 4.6 p./km²), Common Whitethroat (8.9 and 9.6 p./km²), Fieldfare (7.4 and 4.3 p./km²), and Yellowhammer (6.7 and 7.2 p./km²). The presence of 12 species currently included in the “Red List of Birds in Poland“ was also documented.

Katarzyna Grabska K., Krzemiński Ł. P., Wojtowicz B. 2025. SURVEY OF BATS IN SELECTED PARKS OF WARSAW Kulon 30: 93-101.

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

Abstract. Chiropterological surveys in Warsaw have been conducted since the 19th century, and 18 bat species have been identified so far. In order to characterize bat fauna in four selected urban parks in Warsaw (Arkadia, Dolinka Służewska, Kazimierzowski, and Skaryszewski), a bat survey was conducted in 2024. In each park, bat mist-net trapping was carried out twice, once in July and once in August, as well as acoustic monitoring using an ultrasound recorder during three nights in July. Based on mist-net trapping and ultrasound recordings, a total of 7 bat species were found in all parks. The highest species richness was documented in Skaryszewski Park and Dolinka Służewska Park. Five species of bats were found in Skaryszewski Park and four in Dolinka Służewska Park, while only two species were noted in Kazimierzowski Park and three in Arkadia Park. The common noctule Nyctalus noctula was the most abundant species, with a total of 210 individuals captured during the survey period.

Olszewski A. 2025. MIXED-SPECIES BAT GROUPS IN BOXES IN KAMPINOS NATIONAL PARK. Kulon 30: 103-114.

Kampinoski Park Narodowy, ul. Tetmajera 38, PL-05-080 Izabelin, e-mail: ad.ol@wp.pl

Abstract. Although bats exhibit considerable diversity in social behaviour, they relatively rarely form mixed-species groups outside the hibernation period. This article presents the results of long-term observations (2008-2025) on interspecific aggregations of bats occupying wooden boxes in Kampinos National Park - one of the largest forest complexes in central Poland. Over this period, a total of 3,161 bat occurrences were recorded in three types of boxes: Stratmann, Issel, and slit boxes. Of these, 49 observations (1.6%) involved the simultaneous presence of two species. The highest percentage of such groups was observed in slit boxes (3.8% of all bat sightings). Mixed-species aggregations were most frequently recorded after the breeding season, particularly during the autumn months. The most commonly observed species in these groups were the common noctule Nyctalus noctula and the soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus. In total, 10 species were found to form two-species aggregations.

Lesiński G., Konieczny K., Wojtaszyn G. 2025. SMALL MAMMALS IN THE FOOD OF THE BARN OWL TYTO ALBA CLOSE TO THE NATURA 2000 SITE “DOLINA ŁACHY” (LOWER SILESIA REGION). Kulon 30: 115-122

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
Krzysztof Konieczny, Fundacja Przyrodnicza pro Natura, Trzcinica Wołowska 10, PL-56-160 Wińsko, e-mail: k.konieczny@eko.wroc.pl
Grzegorz Wojtaszyn, Polskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Przyrody „Salamandra”, ul. Stolarska 7/3, PL-60-788 Poznań, e-mail: grzegwojt2@wp.pl

Abstract.  A study on small mammals in the diet of the Barn Owl Tyto alba was conducted at four sites near the Natura 2000 area “Dolina Łachy” in SW Poland from 2016 to 2025. The analyses of owl pellets rev ealed 2,023 individual prey items representing 17 species: 4 Soricomorpha, 1 Chiroptera, and 12 Rodentia. The most frequently recorded species were the common vole Microtus arvalis, common shrew Sorex araneus, and house mouse Mus musculus. The lesser white-toothed shrew Crocidura suaveolens and water vole Arvicola amphibius occurred at three of the study sites. A relatively high share of field voles Microtus agrestis (on average, 3.5% of mammalian prey) in the owl diet is remarkable and may indicate their abundant populations in the study area. Rodents of the genus Apodemus were frequently captured by owls (ca. 25% of prey items), with similar representation among the three species (A. agrarius, A. sylvaticus, and A. flavicollis). Bats were represented by a single species – Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri (new for the study area) – which is generally common and abundant in this part of Poland. The data presented in this paper documented several new small mammal species for the study area. At present, 27 species in this group have been recorded.

Turzański M. 2025. SUBURBAN COMMUNAL NIGHT ROOST OF THE WHITE STORK CICONIA CICONIA IN THE DYNÓW FOOTHILLS (SOUTH-EASTERN POLAND). Kulon 30: 123-129.

ul. Wincentego Witosa 10/5, 36-200 Brzozów, e-mail: maciej.turzanski@interia.pl

Abstract. On 31 July 2024, between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., white storks Ciconia ciconia began to flock on a nest located on an old, brick, unused chimney (49°42’20.69”N, 22°01’32.23”E) and on other nearby tall human-made structures. This observation was made on Wincenty Witos Street, on the north-eastern outskirts of the town of Brzozów (Dynów Foothills, center of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship). Between 6:00 and 8:46 p.m., i.e., until there was sufficient daylight for counting the birds, a total of at least 30 white storks, mostly juveniles, were recorded at this site. They sat on: (1) the aforementioned nest ‒ 8-10 individuals, (2) the roofs and chimneys of neighbouring buildings ‒ 15-18 individuals, and (3) nearby power poles and street lamps placed on them ‒ 1-5 individuals. To date, no communal night roost of white storks has been documented at this location. It is worth noting the fact that they spent the night in a suburban area.

Gottfried I., Gottfried T, Kowalczewska A., Wojciechowski S. M. 2025. REGIONAL MIGRATION AND HIBERNATION OF THE NATHUSIUS’ PIPISTRELLE PIPISTRELLUS NATHUSII IN THE LARVAL CORRIDOR OF THE GREAT CAPRICORN BEETLE CERAMBYX CERDO IN POLAND. Kulon 30: 131-136.

Iwona Gottfried, Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Zakład Ekologii Behawioralnej,
ul. Sienkiewicza 21, PL-50-335 Wrocław, e-mail: iwona.gottfried@uwr.edu.pl
Tomasz Gottfried, Ogólnopolskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Nietoperzy, ul. Wojska Polskiego 28, PL-60-637 Poznań, e-mail: gottfri@wp.pl
Anna Kowalczewska, Katedra Zoologii i Ekologii Kręgowców, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, ul. Lwowska 1, PL-87-100 Toruń, e-mail: a.kowalczewska@umk.pl
Michał Stefan Wojciechowski, Katedra Zoologii i Ekologii Kręgowców, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, ul. Lwowska 1, PL-87-100 Toruń, e-mail: mwojc@umk.pl

Abstract. On 12 December 2022, we observed a ringed female of the Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii hibernating in the larval corridor of the great capricorn beetle Cerambyx cerdo in an oak tree in Szczytnicki Park, Wrocław (51°06’53.6”N, 17°04’44.8”E). The same individual had been previously observed on 23 May 2022 near Toruń (53°03’04”N, 18°32’14”E).  This bat migrated 230 km in a south-westerly direction. This is the longest documented within-season migration distance of this species in Poland, and the second longest overall for the country, although it remains relatively short compared to the global record of approximately 2,400 km. Nevertheless, the short migration distance and wintering in Poland provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that climate warming is contributing to the shortening of migration routes in this species.

Grzegorz Wojtaszyn G., Kamil Kryza K., Śródecki K. S. 2025. A NEW SITE OF THE BECHSTEIN’S BAT MYOTIS BECHSTEINII (KUHL, 1817) IN THE WAŁCZ LAKE DISTRICT AT THE NORTHERN LIMIT OF ITS RANGE. Kulon 30: 136-139.

Grzegorz Wojtaszyn, Polskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Przyrody ”Salamandra”, Stolarska 7/3, PL-60-788 Poznań, e-mail: grzegwojt2@wp.pl
Kamil Kryza, Pilskie Koło Klubu Przyrodników, Owczary 17, PL-69-113 Górzyca, e-mail: kamil.kryza@wp.pl
Szymon Kacper Śródecki, Drawieński Park Narodowy, ul. Leśników 2, PL-73-220 Drawno, e-mail: pirat_8@o2.pl

Abstract.  The Bechstein’s bat Myotis bechsteinii inhabits the western Palaearctic region, including central, western, and southern Europe, reaching as far south as Turkey and northern Iran. The northern limit of its range passes through England, Germany, southern Sweden, and Poland. Although generally considered rare in Poland, the species is more frequently observed and breeds regularly in some localities. It occurs in southern and parts of central Poland. The northern boundary of its range runs from the Lower Oder Valley (Cedyński Landscape Park, Szczecin), through Strzaliny and Piła in Western Pomerania, the vicinity of Poznań, the southern part of the Mazowiecka Lowland,  and the Sobiborskie Forests. In Western Pomerania, this species was recorded in the Strzaliny reserve near Tuczno (grid square of the Atlas of Mammals of Poland: 05Fe; 53°11’09“N, 16°13’05“E) and in the Old Brewery Bat Reserve in Piła (grid square of the Atlas of Mammals of Poland: 06Fe; 53°11’25“N, 16°44’25“E). On 11 February 2024, during winter bat monitoring in the Pomeranian Wall fortifications in Wałcz – in the bunker of the Cegielnia Fortress Group (grid square of the Atlas of Mammals of Poland: 05Fc; 53°15’59.4“N, 16°29’46.28“E) – a new wintering site of the Bechstein’s bat was documented. One individual was found hibernating in the aboveground part of this wintering site, near the Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii and Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri. This location is situated north of previously known sites in this part of the country – 19 km north-west of the Piła site and 21 km north-east of Strzaliny.

Rapczyński J, Sitko M, Sosnkowska Z., Naber M. 2025. A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE FIELD ORNITHOLOGICAL STATION “OBÓZ WISŁA” IN THE MIDDLE VISTULA VALLEY IN 2024. Kulon 30: 141-155.

Jan Rapczyński, Fundacja Ochrony Przyrody „Na Skrzydłach”, Jana Pawła Woronicza
78/172, PL-02-640 Warszawa, e-mail: janrapczynski@gmail.com
Magda Sitko, Fundacja Ochrony Przyrody „Na Skrzydłach”, Jana Pawła Woronicza
78/172, PL-02-640 Warszawa, e-mail: janrapczynski@gmail.com
Magdalena Naber, Fundacja Ochrony Przyrody „Na Skrzydłach”, Jana Pawła
Woronicza 78/172, PL-02-640 Warszawa, e-mail: janrapczynski@gmail.com
Zuzanna Sosnkowska, Fundacja Ochrony Przyrody „Na Skrzydłach”, Jana Pawła Woronicza 78/172, PL-02-640 Warszawa, e-mail: janrapczynski@gmail.com

Abstract. From 6 April to 27 October 2024, the next season of activity of the Field Ornithological Station “Obóz Wisła” on Rembezy Island (51°58’N, 21°15’E) was organised and conducted 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). As in previous seasons, data were collected during spring and autumn bird migration, as well as during the breeding season. Moreover, active protection of waders’ broods and education about nature were carried out, with the latter taking place both at the study site and via social media.  Passerines were captured in approximately 200 meters of mist-nets, which allowed for catching and ringing of 4,506 individuals, including the most abundant – Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla (949 individuals). 653 waders were captured with funnel traps („wacek” type), and the most numerous was the Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (232 individuals). By 14 May 2025, 15 ringing recoveries of 10 birds ringed during 2024 (Table 4) have been reported, while during the period from 1 September 2023 to 14 May 2025, 31 new recoveries of 20 birds ringed in 2020-2023 have been reported.

Łukaszewicz M., Rowiński P, Chmielewski S. 2025. REPORT ON WINTER BIRD MONITORING ON WATER BODIES AND IN CITIES OF THE MAZOVIAN LOWLAND IN JANUARY 2024 AND 2025. Kulon 30: 198-217.

Marcin Łukaszewicz, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Radomska 7, 26-670 Pionki, e-mail: lukaszewicz-m@wp.pl
Patryk Rowiński, Samodzielny Zakład Zoologii Leśnej i Łowiectwa, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego, ul. Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warszawa,
e-mail: nuthatch@wp.pl
Sławomir Chmielewski, Mazowiecko-Świętokrzyskie Towarzystwo Ornitologiczne, ul. Radomska 7, PL-26-670 Pionki, e-mail: sch6@wp.pl

Abstract.  Winter bird monitoring was carried out on rivers, reservoirs, and in urban agglomerations in the Mazovian Lowland. Most surveys were conducted on 13-14 January 2024 and 18-19 January 2025. 1,165 km of rivers were controlled in 2024 and 1,225 km in 2025. January 2024 was characterized by cold weather and widespread ice phenomena, whereas January 2025 was mild with minimal ice formation and low to medium water levels. In January 2024, 42 species of waterbirds and approximately 110,900 individuals were recorded. The Mallard was the most abundant species, comprising about 71% of observations, followed by the Common Goldeneye and Greylag Goose. The highest concentrations of birds were noted on the Vistula River. In January 2025, 46 species of waterbirds and approximately 111,400 individuals were observed, with the Mallard remaining dominant (approximately 58%), followed by the Greylag Goose, Tundra Bean Goose, and Great Cormorant. The milder conditions in 2025 resulted in a wider distribution of wintering sites. Among terrestrial birds, 75 species and 30,800 individuals were recorded in January 2024. The following species dominated: Eurasian Siskin, Western Jackdaw, Great Tit, and Fieldfare. In January 2025, 70 terrestrial species were observed, with a total of 39,000 individuals, indicating an increase in their numbers throughout the region. The most abundant were: Eurasian Siskin, Fieldfare, Great Tit, and Yellowhammer. Winters that become milder support both the presence and dispersion of birds within the region. The Vistula Valley, along with other rivers in the eastern Mazovian Lowland and the Zegrze Reservoir remain crucial for wintering waterfowl. A total of 164 observers participated in the monitoring.