rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Acrocephalushttps://sciendo.com/journal/ACROhttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed-data-feed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/6005b00ce797941b18f23bf1/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/ACRO140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-0009<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><p>The Northern Lapwing numbers across Europe are declining owing to its insufficient breeding success. To determine the size, dynamics and habitat use of the lapwing population at Dravsko and Ptujsko polje, a survey was carried out between 2016 and 2018. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, we recorded 148, 130, and 117 pairs, respectively. The population declined during the study and the population trend is uncertain. Approximately 12 to 21% of the national lapwing population was recorded at Dravsko and Ptujsko polje, making them one of the most important breeding areas in Slovenia. The majority of lapwings were found in bare tilled fields and fields with young spring crops that enable unbroken all-round views. Crop data analysis showed a significant preference for maize fields which are mostly bare tillage at the start of the incubation period and therefore act as an ecological trap for lapwings due to the time coincidence of the nesting period and farming operations. For the protection of the lapwing in Slovenia, we recommend a time limit of farming operations or avoiding individual nests while working in the field. Both measures are recommended to be implemented in combination with the provision of suitable foraging habitat for chicks. For greater effectiveness, we propose priority implementation of conser vation measures on traditiona l breeding sites.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-00092021-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-0010ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-00102021-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-0012ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-00122021-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-0011ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2019-00112021-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0006-5<abstract xml:lang="sl"><title style='display:none'>Gnezdilke Kopenskega dela Zadrževalnika Medvedce (SV Slovenija)</title></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0006-52010-02-10T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0007-4<abstract xml:lang="sl"><title style='display:none'>Naravovarstveno Vrednotenje Avifavne Območja Zadrževalnika Medvedce (SV Slovenija) in Dejavniki Ogrožanja</title></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0007-42010-02-10T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0005-6<abstract xml:lang="sl"><title style='display:none'>Pojavljanje vodnih ptic in ujed na območju vodnega zadrževalnika Medvedce (Dravsko polje, SV Slovenija) v obdobju 2002-2008</title></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0005-62010-02-10T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-0005ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-00052021-12-14T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-0004<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Grassland birds were surveyed in two mountain pastures (Zaprikraj and Zapleč) in the southern part of the Julian Alps, Slovenia. The survey was carried out during the mornings between 26 and 30 June 2005. Due to the incomplete survey (only one visit, no nocturnal or targeted surveys and late season survey), the surveyed birds’ breeding density is only a rough estimate. 167 pairs belonging to 12 species were counted, with Tree (average density of 1.64 p/10 ha) and Water Pipit (average density of 1.60 p / 10 ha) being the most abundant. Both were observed in all altitudinal belts. The highest density in individual altitudinal belt was calculated for Red-backed Shrike <italic>Lanius collurio</italic> (3.78 p/10 ha) and Water Pipit (3.61 p/10 ha). In well preserved grasslands in the study area, most species reached high breeding densities compared to other parts of Slovenia and all were recorded higher than during the 1992 survey, although still mostly within limits of the elevations elsewhere in Slovenia. Breeding density of Skylark <italic>Alauda arvensis</italic> decreased with the elevation. Whinchat <italic>Saxicola rubetra</italic>, Skylark and Red-backed Shrike used significantly gentler slopes, while Pipits showed no preference for particular slopes.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-00042021-12-14T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-0001<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Barn Owl <italic>Tyto alba</italic> pellets and loose bones on a cave floor from Amorgos (Cyclades, Greece) were examined and the birds found to have caught at least 39 species of bird, mostly identified from humeri, plus shrews <italic>Crocidura suaveolens</italic>, a few lizards and dung beetles, in addition to their principal diet of rodents (rats <italic>Rattus rattus</italic>, mice <italic>Apodemus</italic> spp. &amp; <italic>Mus musculus</italic>). Amongst the birds, migrants appeared most vulnerable to owl predation, with some notable exceptions, while resident species were under-represented. The range of bird species found appears to be the largest recorded for any Barn Owl study of a single site. Considerable differences were found in species proportions of taxa in fresh pellets and in loose bones, probably due to differential rates of degradation. Photographs of all humeri are included to aid identification in other studies.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-00012021-12-14T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-0003ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-00032021-12-14T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-0002<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The Goosander <italic>Mergus merganser</italic> was not recorded breeding in Bulgaria till recently. We present herewith the very first record of the species breeding in the country and estimate the size of its breeding population in Bulgaria. Thus, we propose a change in its status in the country with more effort to be invested in the survey of this small, isolated population.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/acro-2020-00022021-12-14T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0002-9<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Interactions between fish resources and Cormorants <italic>Phalacrocorax carbo</italic> in the Grado and Marano lagoon (NE Italy)</title><p>The aim of this study was to determine the importance of different environments for Cormorant <italic>Phalacrocorax carbo</italic> biology in the Grado and Marano lagoon (Friuli Venezia Giulia, NE Italy, Upper Adriatic Sea), and to estimate the levels of fish removal within such areas. Data were collected on Cormorant abundance and the amount of fish consumed in two fishing valli (Valle Noghera and Valle Artalina) and in three tidal areas (Goppion, Cavanata sea, Grado and Marano lagoon). The number of Cormorants per 100 ha was relatively low in all the study areas. The highest density of feeding cormorants in November (24 birds/100 ha) was in Valle Noghera. The latter is ascribed to an isolated event of 50 birds in social fishing activity. During the rest of the November survey time (72% of the total), lower densities were noted (2.5 birds/100 ha). Fish consumption was also relatively low. In Valle Artalina the maximum was 6.8 kg/100 ha in December. The highest fish consumption was estimated in Valle Noghera in November (41.9 kg/100 ha) and in the Grado and Marano lagoon in January (7.6 kg/100 ha). In fish farms, the highest fish consumption is recorded in November and December, exclusively within wintering basins and canals. So these areas should be covered with wire nets. Furthermore, considering the high variability and irregularity of fish removal, the use of active deterring methods (e.g. gas cannons) can give good results, especially if applied during social fishing events.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0002-92009-10-21T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0001-x<abstract xml:lang="sl"><title style='display:none'>Vpliv načinov gospodarjenja s travišči na ptice gnezdilke Ljubljanskega barja (osrednja Slovenija)</title></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0001-x2009-10-21T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0004-7<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Status of the Gannet <italic>Morus bassanus</italic> in the Black Sea region (E Bulgaria)</title><p>The Gannet <italic>Morus bassanus</italic> is a rare vagrant species in the Black Sea region (E Bulgaria). There are altogether 9 records of Gannet in Bulgaria over the last 100 years, all on the Black Sea coast. This paper describes the three most recent records. On 29-31 July 2008 6 individuals were observed in the vicinity of St. Constantine and Elena Resort (12 km north of the town of Varna, Varna Region, NE Bulgaria). Gannets were fishing by numerous (typical) dives, accompanied by a flock of Cormorants <italic>Phalacrocorax carbo</italic> and Yellow-legged Gulls <italic>Larus michahellis</italic>. A review of all the species' records in Bulgaria, as well as the subfossil records in the Black Sea region is given.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0004-72009-10-21T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0003-8<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Insects in the White Stork <italic>Ciconia ciconia</italic> diet as indicators of its feeding conditions: the first diet study in Slovenia</title><p>Prey remains found in the pellets of the White Stork <italic>Ciconia ciconia</italic> are known not to reveal the actual prey intake by the White Storks. The exceptions are the chitinous remains of insects that are quite well preserved in the pellets, and thus potentially good indicators of the actual intake of White Storks. Since insects are selected by White Storks in proportion to their abundance in the environment, they can be used as indicators of the quality of the bird foraging habitat. A preliminary test of this was carried out at three nests in NE Slovenia differing in their breeding success in 1997. In contrast to habitat analysis around the nest the proportions of Orthoptera and Coleoptera in the pellets corresponded well to the breeding success. Orthoptera species were dominant in high success, and Coleoptera (especially Carrion beetles Silphidae) in low success nests. In this paper the value of insects in White Stork pellets as indicators of the quality of the bird foraging microhabitat patches is set out. However, the indicative power of these insects needs to be tested further.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-009-0003-82009-10-21T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2015-0012ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2015-00122016-03-16T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2015-0011ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.1515/acro-2015-00112016-03-16T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-011-0003-3<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Monitoring of facultative avian scavengers on large mammal carcasses in Dinaric forest of Slovenia</title><p>Facultative vertebrate scavengers have an important role in forest ecosystems, however, not much is known as to their use of carrion in temperate forests. Three carcasses of Red Deer <italic>Cervus elaphus</italic> and European Roe Deer <italic>Capreolus capreolus</italic> found dead or killed by Grey Wolf <italic>Canis lupus</italic> were monitored in March and April 2010 and 2011 on Menišija Plateau in northern Dinaric Mountains (central Slovenia) using photo-trapping and video surveillance. Carcasses were monitored for 26 days, during which 708 photos and 43 video recordings of scavengers were taken. In the 91% of all visits recorded, birds were the most frequent scavengers, with Common Buzzard <italic>Buteo buteo</italic> as the most frequent species present at 76% of all visits. On average, Buzzards returned to carcasses twice per day, with an average visit lasting 29 min. Common Buzzards used carcasses to a significantly higher degree on days with snow cover, which was due to the more frequent visits per day and not to longer visits. Recorded antagonistic interspecific interactions suggested that Common Buzzards were the dominant species in the observed avian scavenger guild, as they displaced Ravens <italic>Corvus corax</italic> and Goshawk <italic>Accipiter gentilis</italic> from the carcass. However, Ravens frequently mobbed Common Buzzards while scavenging. Once an Ural Owl <italic>Strix uralensis</italic> also visited prey remains of Grey Wolf, but feeding could not be confirmed. Observations suggested that carcasses of large mammals could be locally and temporarily an important food source for some facultative avian scavengers in Dinaric forests, especially in times when other food is scarce. Data from the two wolf kills also confirm the importance of predation by large carnivores in providing food for scavengers. Given the small amount of meat consumed, kleptoparasitism by solitary raptors did not bring significant losses to large carnivores, whereas gregarious avian scavengers like corvids can importantly affect the consumption process and consume large amount of biomass in a relatively short time.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-011-0003-32012-05-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-011-0002-4<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Characteristics of soaring birds' spring migration over inland SE Bulgaria</title><p>We investigated the scale and characteristics of spring migration of soaring birds in Bourgas district, SE Bulgaria during three 5-day periods in March (27^th-31^st), April (20^th-24^th) and May (12^th-16^th) 2008. Simultaneous counts were carried out from six observation points in two separate areas (Karnobat and Sredets), located 24.5 km and 37.3 km inland from the Black Sea coast, respectively. In total, 31,049 soaring birds of at least 27 species were counted, by far the most numerous being the White Stork <italic>Ciconia ciconia</italic> (23,358 ind.), followed by the Lesser Spotted Eagle <italic>Aquila pomarina</italic> (3,112 ind.). In Karnobat area, situated farther from the Black Sea coast, the total number of soaring migrants (21,231) was more than two-fold higher than in Sredets area (9,818). Overall, there was a significant difference in flock size and flight altitude within separate area (i.e. among observation points) as well as between the two observation areas and the three 5-day periods. However, there was a substantial variance in factors significantly affecting the flock size and flight altitude among most numerous individual species. In general, birds passed at much higher altitude above Karnobat area (mean flight altitude 208.3 m ± 6.4) compared to Sredets area (mean flight altitude 130.5 m ± 4.4). In both observation areas, northern direction was the most commonly observed flight direction (46.3% of all recorded flight directions). The highest numbers of soaring migrants passed in the late afternoon, between 15.00 and 18.00 hrs - 11,554 individuals (43.0% of all birds counted). The study confirmed that the front of Western Black Sea migration route, or "Via Pontica" as part of the Mediterranean/Black Sea Flyway in SE Bulgaria, is rather wide, since the magnitude of inland migration in Bourgas district can be compared with that along the Black Sea coast, at least during spring migration. Both observation areas qualify as Important Bird Areas (IBA) of European importance according to the several BirdLife International criteria. We recommend that any new wind farms built should avoid the area of Hisar Hill south of Karnobat and the NW parts of Sredets Municipality.</p></abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/v10100-011-0002-42012-05-30T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1