bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eggshell blue-green colouration fades immediately after oviposition: a cautionary note about measuring natural egg colours
Authors: Moreno J. , Lobato E. , Morales J.
Published: December 2023

The colour fading in eggs of the Pied Flycatcher was studied in Spain. Egg colour for >400 eggs was estimated at the moment of oviposition, at the onset of incubation, and at the end of incubation. Results, obtained using a spectrophotometer, showed that egg colours tended to fade significantly during the study period. For unhatched eggs over lon-ger time periods of 6 and 23 months after incubation, the blue-green colouration faded further still. These figures suggest that studies on egg colouration should account for tem-poral changes in egg colouration.
Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus wintering in central eastern Poland: population structure by age and sex, and the effect of weather conditions
Authors: Kasprzykowski Z. , Ciesluk P.
Published: December 2023

Conditions at wintering grounds affect the numbers of birds of prey to various extents. Weather may influence the latitudinal winter distribution of short-distance migrants, such as the Rough-legged Buzzard, with respect to age and sex. Inventories were conducted in central eastern Poland during 2003-2006 on a sample plot with very high densities of Rough-legged Buzzards. In particular years, Rough-legged Buzzards wintered in different numbers, but there was no significant variation in numbers among phenological periods of winter. The mean daily temperature but not the depth of snow influenced numbers so that lower daytime temperatures were associated with higher numbers of wintering Rough-legged Buzzards. The observed age and sex structures were similar to the latitudinal winter distribution of these parameters in the Rough-legged Buzzard population in the Nearctic region: adults significantly outnumbered immatures, and among adults there were more females than males.
Successful semen collection from Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) kept in an aviary system
Authors: Lukaszewicz E. , Kowalczyk A. , Rzonca Z.
Published: December 2023

We tested the feasibility of obtaining ejaculates from Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) kept under aviary conditions. A total of 9 individuals in their first (n = 4), fifth (n = 3) or sixth (n = 2) reproductive season were raised in floor pens in absence (1-year old males) or presence (5 and 6-year old males) of contemporary females and attempted to semen collections using the massage technique. Among the 9 males tested, successful ejaculations were observed more frequently in older (90%) than young males (50%). The following semen characteristics of ejaculates were observed: mean volume, 25µl in young vs. 41µl in older males; sperm concentration, 470 x106ml-1 vs. 1133 x 106ml-1; sperm viability (eosin-nigrosin test), 92.7% vs. 94.6%; morphologically normal sperm, 66.5% vs. 73.2%, for young and older males respectively. Overall, semen quality expressed as the Sperm Quality Factor reached a value of 10.5 in young vs. 33.8 in older males. These observations confirm the feasibility of performing successful semen collections in captive Capercaillie, a pre-requisite for the development of artificial insemination for the purpose of gene banking and to optimize the reproductive performance in this endangered species. It is also interesting that one-year-old Capercaillie can produce semen, however its quantity and quality is lower comparing to the older males.
Why do birds sing in such complex ways? – Bird Song: Biological Themes and Variations by Catchpole & Slater (2008)
Authors: Koskimies P.
Published: December 2023

C. K. Catchpole & P. J. B. Slater 2008: Bird Song. Biological Themes and Variations. Second Edition. — Cambridge University Press.
Diet of the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) at two areas in the Bay L vstabukten, South Bothnian Sea, Sweden, based on otolith size-correction factors
Authors: Boström Maria K. , Lunneryd Sven-Gunnar , Ståhlberg Hanna , Karlsson Lars , Ragnarsson Bjarne
Published: December 2023

The diet of cormorants roosting at Malause on the Garonne River (South- West France) was studied by analyzing pellets collected during the winter 2001- 2002. This roost held a mean of 550 cormorants between October 2001 and March 2002, making it one of the most important winter roosts in France. The diet contained 14 fish species, including 10 cyprinids. Cyprinids were the most abundant prey, representing 90 % of individual fish. Bream Abramis brama between 100 and 150 mm in length were the most abundant food items, while large bream ( >300mm total length) were also consumed. The proportion of pellets containing bream increased from 26 % in October- November to 69% in February- March. There was no significant change in the size of the bream over time. The next most abundant species was pikeperch Sander lucioperca present in 15.4% of the pellets from December- January but only 2.6% in February- March.
The importance of drainage ditches for farmland birds in agricultural landscapes in the Baltic countries: does field type matter?
Authors: Marja Riho , Herzon Irina
Published: December 2023

Land drainage exhibits a considerable impact on biodiversity. Drainage ditches-a regionally common landscape element-carry a number of benefits for birds associated with farmland. The aim of this study was to quantify a relative value of ditches for farmland birds depending on the type of surrounding fields. Survey data on farmland bird communities and farmland landscape structure across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were used. Count plots were situated within either arable fields or grasslands, or their combination and contained two types of ditches, with grassy margins or with tall vegetation such as bushes and trees. Focal species were selected based on their plausible use of ditches. Species richness and abundance of farmland birds were positively associated with the presence of ditches with tall vegetation, but the plausible role of ditches with only grassy margins remained unclear. For some species, the relationship was more pronounced in arable land than in grassland. Regional agricultural policy should support the retention of ditches, especially those with complex structure, in farmland. This action is crucial in landscapes dominated by crop production, as they face the most intense utilisation.
Breeding-season dispersal of male and female Penduline Tits (Remiz pendulinus) in south-western Poland
Authors: Czyz Beata , Borowiec Marta , Wasinska Aleksandra , Pawliszko Robert , Mazur Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

Dispersal during the breeding season is common among multiple-brooding bird species. such as the Penduline Tit Remizpendulinus, in which both sexes are sequentially polygamous and one or both parents may abandon the clutch. Penduline Tits were studied at a large fishpond system in south-western Poland over six breeding seasons (2004-2008 and 2011). Breeding dispersal of 97 males and 44 females were recorded. Females dispersed longer distances than males, and dispersal distances of both males and females did notvary significantly between years. Mating success at the previous nest did not influence the dispersal distance of males. Females who found new mates after a successful breeding attempt settled closer than those who had abandoned their previous nest. The distances of females remating after nest failure were similar to those of abandoning females. These results corroborate the general pattern of dispersal in birds, in which females commonly disperse further than males. This bias can be explained by a sex-dependent difference in breeding-site availability. Male Penduline Tits attract females to their nests and can choose from all vacant sites to settle, whereas females are restricted by males' dispersion and may be forced to go further.
The Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) in human-disturbed habitats – building up a local population with the aid of artificial rafts
Authors: Nummi Petri , Väänänen Veli-Matti , Pakarinen Raimo , Pienmunne Esa
Published: December 2023

Human actions, such as increasing recreational activity at lakes, have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of diver breeding grounds.We studied the breeding success of Redthroated Divers during 1994–2011 in Nuuksio National park in Southern Finland. We conducted an experiment in which we used peat hummocks to build floating nesting sites for the focal species.We used a population in Evo, South-Central Finland, as our control (i.e., no management) .We found that the Nuuksio population increased steadily, and that the birds had a relatively high breeding success (pairs with a brood 73%, juveniles/pair 1.04). The index of juveniles per pair did not suggest density-dependence in the Nuuksio population. All except one nesting attempt at Nuuksio and Evo failed in mainland shoreline mire margins. Our results indicate that artificial nesting sites increase the breeding success of the Red-throated Diver. We assume that the mitigation of the effects of disturbance with management can improve brood production in the species.
Territory size and habitat selection of breeding Common Cranes (Grus grus) in a boreal landscape
Authors: Månsson Johan , Nilsson Lovisa , Hake Mikael
Published: December 2023

Information on how birds use different types of habitat and move within landscapes is crucial for avian ecology, conservation andmanagement. The Common Crane Grus grus has the widest distribution of all crane species and covers both increasing and decreasing populations. Ecological knowledge is therefore necessary both for conservation and to mitigate bird-human conflicts.We studied territory size and habitat selection of breeding Common Cranes (n = 11) at two spatial scales in south-central Sweden by using VHF and GPS transmitters. Breeding families of Cranes were strongly associated with farmlands and wetlands independent of spatial scale. However, 41% of positions were within forested habitats.According to a compositional analysis,moist andwet forestswere selected more frequently than dry forests. Territory size was on average 250 ha ± 47.8 SE. The territories showed little overlap between neighboring breeding pairs.Our study provides information necessary for estimating densities of breeding pairs, but also to indicate habitat types worth special attention by landscape managers and conservationists.
Bats and Swifts as food of the European Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in a small town in Slovakia
Authors: Mikula Peter , Hromada Martin , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: December 2023

Bats (Chiroptera) and Common Swifts (Apus apus) are excellent fliers that use buildings as roosts and breeding sites in urban areas. Some predators have recently become adapted to hunting formerly unavailable prey. One such urban predator is the European Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). We analyzed the diet and foraging behaviour of this species in Bardejov, North-Eastern Slovakia. In several observed breeding pairs, some bird began to hunt bats using novel foraging behaviour: sit-and-wait above ventilation channels of building facades where bats roosted, using ambush and perching tactics. Kestrel pairs that specialised in hunting bats also hunted Swifts. We did not find significant differences between Kestrel sexes in hunting bats and Swifts, but Kestrels preying on bats and Swifts had significantly higher breeding success than those that did not. Recently, Kestrels and their novel prey, bats and Swifts, have become endangered by rapidly-improved insulation of building facades in Central Europe. This intervention simultaneously destroys breeding and roosting places and potentially causes the collapse of urban populations of the European Kestrel.
Detection probability of the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis during quick, multiple surveys: a case study in an isolated population in northern Poland
Authors: Neubauer Grzegorz , Sikora Arkadiusz
Published: December 2023

We investigated factors affecting the detection probability of the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis, a secretive forest passerine, whose range is confined to central and eastern Europe. With a robust design sampling protocol, 78 sites were surveyed four times in spring 2012 for the presence of singing males in the Las Warmiński nature reserve (northern Poland). Multi-season occupancy models fitted to the data showed that detection probability varied considerably as a function of habitat quality. Probabilities of detection of at least one singing male during a single survey were very similar under various models: 0.383-0.419 at sites with single males, 0.815-0.837 at sites with two males, 0.970-0.974 and 0.999 at sites with three and four males. Detection probability did not depend on time of day, indicating no decline in singing activity as the day progresses. The local extinction probability was zero, suggesting that sites occupied early in the season are unlikely to be deserted - males were actively singing several days after arrival. Since mated males reduce their singing activity very much, these results may suggest low mating success. If this holds true, the colonization probability invariably estimated at 1.0 is best explained by the late arrival of some males rather, than by within-season movements of males already present. This study emphasizes that occupancy models are useful for the simultaneous investigation of the effects of multiple covariates not only on detection but also on other, biologically important parameters.
Nest survival in the Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus in fragmented wetland habitats: the effect of nest-site selection
Authors: Musilová Zuzana , Musil Petr , Zouhar Jan , Poláková Simona
Published: December 2023

Nest survival in fragmented wetlands is usually affected by micro-habitat variables. The main aim of the study was to investigate the factors affecting Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus nest survival in wetland habitats within a mosaic Central European land-scape. In total, we monitored 95 nests on five separate fishponds in South Bohemia, Czech Republic during a six-year study between 2002 and 2007. In order to determine the effects on nest survival of nest site characteristic, the first egg laying date and nest age, we estimated daily survival rate (DSR) and built models using program MARK. DSR was significantly higher in nests located in Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea and tall vegetation Cattail Typha latifolia and Common Reed Phragmites australis than in sedges Carex spp. Surprisingly, expanding Reed Canary Grass was occupied later in the breeding season and likely less preferred vegetation type than sedges. Structure of sedge tussocks changed due to eutrophication and likely lost its suitability as quality microhabitat of the nest site. Furthermore, we found mild support that DSR increased with the distance from the nearest tree and that the lowest DSR was between 19th and 20th day of the nesting cycle, close after the hatching of the nestlings which can attract potential predators. These findings could indicate the importance of birds as predators on Reed Bunting nests. Nest site selection appears to be a display of anti-predator strategy in the Reed Bunting.
Coastal grassland wader abundance in relation to breeding habitat characteristics in Matsalu Bay, Estonia
Authors: Leito Aivar , Sepp Kalev , Pehlak Hannes , Kuresoo Andres , Ward Raymond , Meriste Mart , Ööpik Merle , Kuu Annely , Ivask Mari , Truu Jaak , Mägi Eve , Elts Jaanus , Luigujõe Leho
Published: December 2023

Wader populations have been declining worldwide, providing a fundamental question as to which environmental factors limit population growth. Many studies have focused on the effects of habitat change on wader populations as a result of climate change, agricultural intensification or abandonment of arable land. However, there are few studies investigating the relationship between wader distribution/abundance and prey abundance. This study focused on the relationship between breeding wader abundance, habitat characteristics and prey abundance on different types of coastal and floodplain grasslands. The study was carried out in the Matsalu Bay area, Western Estonia between 2001 and 2005. Results showed that most wader species were strongly related to habitat flooding type but not to plant species richness or evenness or mean vegetation coverage. Abundance of epigeic earthworms at a site was positively correlated with wader species diversity and abundance, as well as at the individual species level for abundance of Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa and Redshank Tringa totanus. Endogeic earthworm abundance was not significantly related to total wader abundance, although for some species there was a weak negative relationship. We conclude that epigeic earthworms are an important food source for most wader species on Matsalu grasslands and endogeic earthworms are not likely to be utilised as a prey source. Wader abundance was most strongly related to flooding as a determinate factor for breeding habitat characteristics and with epigeic earthworms as a food source. These factors are impor- tant environmental variables influencing local abundance and distribution of coastal waders.
Pied flycatchers nest over other nests, but would prefer not to
Authors: Loukola Olli J. , Seppänen Janne-Tuomas , Forsman Jukka T.
Published: December 2023

Pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) are sometimes known to construct their nest on top of a previously constructed tit (Parus spp.) or flycatcher nest, a behaviour dubbed "nest take-over". Here, we tested whether flycatchers truly prefer to "take over" nests instead of choosing unoccupied cavities, and if so, whether the behaviour is due to attraction to-wards boxes chosen by others, or simply taking advantage of the pre-existing substrate. Furthermore, we tested whether flycatchers prefer building nest on the nests of conspeci-fics or on those of heterospecific tits. We offered arriving flycatchers choice in a quartet of boxes with alternative contents: an unused flycatcher nest, an unused tit nest, sawdust, and an empty box. The flycatchers strongly preferred nest boxes with sawdust. In another experiment, we offered trios of nest boxes: an old tit nest, an old flycatcher nest and empty box. The flycatchers strongly avoided the empty boxes but did not show any preference for either the tit or the flycatcher nest. When offered to construct their nest in an empty box, flycatchers had to gather more nesting material by weight. Our results show that nest take-overs in pied flycatchers result from taking advantage of a pre-existing substrate to reduce the building effort required, rather than from scarcity of nesting sites or from any direct social or competitive interaction. The results also show that pied flycatchers avoid taking over nests when a similar material advantage is available by other means, presum-ably to avoid costs due to ectoparasites and/or competition.
Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) on a small migratory passerine bird: absence of deleterious short and long-term effects
Authors: Ratnayake Chaminda , Morosinotto Chiara , Ruuskanen Suvi , Villes Alexandre , Thomson Robert L.
Published: December 2023

Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags have been widely used for ornithological research. However, only few studies have reported their impacts on individuals. We assessed the efficacy of subcutaneous PIT tag implantation in the mantel area of adult Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca). In addition, we investigated the short-term effects of the tags on body mass changes during the breeding period, and potential long-term effects by examining local return rate and apparent survival over winter. We focused on the impacts of carrying PIT tags. We compared individuals with subcutaneously implanted PIT tags and individuals that had PIT tags implanted but lost their tags within days of implantation. Overall retention of subcutaneously implanted PIT tags was ~77% in both breeding males and females. The tag retention was influenced by implanter experience. Body mass changes of PIT tag implanted individuals during the breeding period did not differ from those individuals that lost the tag soon after implantation. The apparent survival of PIT tag implanted males and females did not differ from individuals without tags in previous years. Our results suggest that the retention of PIT tags on breeding adults may not adversely affect their body condition prior to migration and their apparent survival.
Sex-specific foraging behaviour of the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) during the breeding season
Authors: Gwiazda Robert , Ledwon Mateusz
Published: December 2023

Sexual size dimorphism is common in many bird species. It can lead to sex-specific differences in foraging ability. The Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) exhibits sexual size dimorphism. Sex-specific differences in the foraging behaviour of Whiskered Terns were investigated in carp ponds during the breeding season. Foraging behaviour was different between the sexes. Males foraged mainly by shallow plunge diving into the water, while females foraged mainly by picking prey from plants and the water surface. We attributed these differences to sexual size dimorphism, as males are significantly larger than females. The foraging success of vertebrate prey capture by Whiskered Terns was high (male average = 61%, female average = 65%), and not significantly different between sexes. Males had more aggressive encounters than females. Generally, we did not find correlations between the rate of main foraging techniques of male and female Whiskered Terns and weather conditions (cloud cover and wind speed). This was probably due to the high prey availability in carp ponds.
The influence of climatic conditions in breeding grounds and migratory flyways on a subalpine Norwegian Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) population
Authors: Thingstad Per , Hogstad Olav , Speed James D. M.
Published: December 2023

Many European-breeding bird species wintering south of the Sahel region in Africa have been reported to be in decline since the 1970s. However, most studies focus on conditions local to the breeding sites as determinants of population change, despite the potential influence on populations during migration and over-wintering. To investigate the relative importance of climate at the breeding site and during migration and overwintering periods, we studied a Fennoscandian Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) population that has been monitored in its subalpine breeding grounds in Norway over the last 45 years (1967-2011). The long-term trend for our population follows a quadratic trend, showing a marked period of decline after the late 1960s, followed by some increase during the last two decades. The most parsimonious model of the annual change in the Willow Warbler population is obtained by combining the mean June temperature and the Sahel spring index. The annual rate of change in the Willow Warbler population was positively related to summer temperatures on the breeding grounds and positively related to Sahel precipitation, although the statistical support is not very strong. Our study shows that climatic conditions at different stages of the annual cycle have influence on the population change. However, the on-going habitat changes in tropical Africa most likely have negatively affected on the overall population size of the Willow Warbler. This habitat loss may prevent many long-distance migratory bird species from returning to their former population peaks, even though the impact from the recent Sahelian drought may have culminated.
No strong effects of leg-flagged geolocators on return rates or reproduction of a small long-distance migratory shorebird
Authors: Pakanen Veli-Matti , Rönkä Nelli , Thomson Robert L. , Koivula Kari
Published: December 2023

Josep del Hoyo & Nigel Collar 2014: HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Volume 1: Non-passerines. — Lynx Edicions. 904 pp.
Between-year variations in sex/age ratio bias in hunter wings of Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) compared to field samples
Authors: Fox Anthony D. , Clausen Kevin , Dalby Lars , Christensen Thomas , Sunde Peter
Published: December 2023

We compared age and sex ratios amongst Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) derived from Danish field observations and hunter-based shot samples throughout an entire winter in two consecutive years. In the middle period of both winters, sex ratios did not differ significantly between the two samples. However, first-year males were more than three times more likely to be represented than adult males in the hunter sample compared to field samples and were 4–22 times overrepresented in the hunting sample at the beginning of both seasons. We found between and within-season differences in bias, confirming the need to account for such bias and its temporal variation when using the results of wing surveys to model population parameters. However, given the relative uniformity in bias in the middle part of both seasons, these results confirm that age ratios amongst wings voluntarily contributed by hunters provide an invaluable long term measure of reproductive success in dabbling duck populations as long as we can account for such bias.
Nest and brood stage association between ducks and small colonial gulls in boreal wetlands
Authors: Väänänen Veli-Matti , Pöysä Hannu , Runko Pentti
Published: December 2023

Heterospecific grouping is often associated with reduced predation. One example of this phenomenon is birds breeding in association with more aggressive species. Here we report a study of the association between breeding ducks and small colonial gulls during the nesting and brood-rearing periods in boreal wetlands in Finland. Dabbling duck nests were rarely found within gull colonies, while Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) and Pochard (Aythya ferina) nests were exclusively found within gull colonies.During the brood stage, the broods of most duck species were found more often than expected within the colony areas of small gulls, such as the Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and Little Gull (Hydrocoleus minutus). Dabbling duck broods in particular were associated with gulls. In diving ducks, Tufted Duck broods preferred gull defence areas, whereas Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) broods did not. We suggest that colonies of small gulls may be much more important for ducks than previously thought. In recent years, Black-headed Gull populations have decreased in Finland, and the populations of Tufted Duck and Pochard have concurrently decreased.We recommend that the nesting site requirements of small colonial gulls should be taken into account in wetland restoration and when building new wetlands.
Distribution and abundance of hole-nesting birds in Mediterranean forests: impact of past management patterns on habitat preference
Authors: Rossi de Gasperis Sarah , Redolfi De Zan Lara , Battisti Corrado , Reichegger Ignaz , Carpaneto Giuseppe M.
Published: December 2023

This study explores the relative abundance of hole-nesting birds in fourMediterranean forest types, each of which has undergone different patterns of forest management. Nine species were sampled in 24 study plots, to compare cork oak forest, turkey oak forest, holm oak forest and pine plantation. The abundance of hole-nesters was greater in cork oak forest and turkey oak forest. Three species were most frequently detected: Great Tit (Parusmajor), Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) and Nuthatch (Sitta europaea). Bird abundancewas significantly lower in holmoak forest, particularly in the cases of Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis), Nuthatch and Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla). TheGreat SpottedWoodpecker showed a positive correlation with the abundance of three secondary cavity nesters: Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper and Starling; in contrast, Green Woodpecker showed a negative correlation with Starling. Habitat structure varied significantly among forest types, especially themean andmaximumtree height, these being lower in holmoak forest. The Great SpottedWoodpecker proved to be a good indicator of less disturbed woodlands. In fact, maximum tree height turned out to be a significant and positive explanatory variable for woodpecker abundance.We consider that intensive coppicing and timbermanagement in holm oak forest during the 20th century widely affected trees’ age-profile, with consequences for their suitability forwoodpeckers and other hole-nesting birds. Tomonitor the response of hole-nesting birds to forest management in terms of abundance, we propose the use of the great spotted woodpecker as an indicator species.
Pushed by increasing air temperature and tailwind speed: weather selectivity of raptors migrating across the Aegean Sea
Authors: Panuccio Michele , Barboutis Christos , Chiatante Gianpasquale , Evangelidis Angelos , Agostini Nicolantonio
Published: December 2023

A vast number of raptors migrates between the Western Palearctic and Africa every autumn. Species and/or populations ofmigratory raptors that choose to cross theMediterranean Sea need to overcome an extended ecological barrier,which is particularly extensive in the area of east–central and eastMediterranean.We tested the selectivity of two raptor species to weather and phenology analyzing the data collected on a small Greek island throughout four different years.Weather selectivity of the two species shows both similarities and differences. The intensity of migration of both studied species is positively correlated with air temperature. The European Honey Buzzard selects days with strong tailwind assistance that helps to reduce flight time over sea thus decreasingmortality risk and energy consumption during this sea crossing. On the other hand, theWesternMarsh Harrier seems to be less wind selective reaching the island in good numbers also with headwinds, probably because of its higher ability in using powered-flapping flight.
Factors affecting road mortality in birds
Authors: Husby Magne
Published: December 2023

Several hundred million birds are killed on an annual basis worldwide due to collisions with vehicles.While this is well documented, less data exists on specific factors affecting thenumber of roadkills. I examined roadkill patterns while driving a car during a 44-month period (617 days, twice daily) along a 25 kmstretch of road in themiddle ofNorway. In total, 121 roadkills were detected during that period. I used information on bodymass, speed limit, vegetation in the vicinity, flight distance, abundance of birds in the surrounding environment and number of birds sitting on the road in order to elucidate their effects on the number of roadkills and susceptibility to become a roadkill for 30 different bird species/ groups of species. Roadkill numbers were highest in summer, and at certain parts of the road the mortality rate was much higher than in others. Heavier birds flew away from the approaching car at a longer distance than smaller birds, but they still had a relatively high mortality rate. Birds known to search for food on roads were more likely than other birds to become roadkill. Birds observed on the road explained a significant amount of the variation in roadkills between the species, in contrast to the abundance of birds in the surroundings. Fewer birds than expected were found where the speed limit was highest, and roadkilled birds were visible for a longer period when their body mass was higher.
The varying impact of agri-environment schemes on birdlife in two regions of Poland
Authors: Tworek Stanislaw , Golawski Artur , Jobda Marek , Kosicki Jakub Z.
Published: December 2023

The implementation of agri-environment schemes (AES) in Poland began in 2004,yet the effects of their implementation were not systematically monitored until 2010. Using monitoring data collected in 2011 from two regions in Poland, the foothills and the lowlands, we examined the impact of enviornmental variables and the AES on 1) the number of species, 2) the number of territories of all breeding species, 3) the number of territories of target species for bird-oriented AES, and 4) the nimbers of territories of the eight most frequent farmland species. More species and a larger number of territories were recorded in the lowland study plots than in the foothill ones. The proportion of land covered by AES on the study plots had no impact on the number of species or the numbers of territories of all species in either region. Furthermore, the relationship between the number of territories of target species and the proportion of land covered by AES in the lowland region was negative. Environmental variables significantly affected the numbers of territories of two numerous farmland species in the foothill region and three species in the lowlands. The implication of these results is that the AES dedicated to bird conservation need further assessment. To be more effective, the AES have to allow for regional variation; they definitely require further, detailed study.
Estimation of fat reserves of Robins (Erithacus rubecula) migrating through the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in spring
Authors: Zaniewicz Grzegorz , Meissner Wlodzimierz , Ozarowska Agnieszka
Published: December 2023

Fat is the main source of energy during bird migration, and the visual fat scoring is widely used in the studies on, e.g., stopover ecology of migratory species. Yet, visual fat scoring can lead to wrong conclusion due to potentially different pattern of fat distribution in species that differ in size or even individuals being during active migration and those at stopovers. To overcome limitations of this method, we developed the predictive equation for estimating fat reserves in spring-migrating Robins – one of the most numerous migratory species in Europe. The equation allows estimating the amount of fat reserves based on body mass of birds, which was the best predictor of fat mass accumulated by Robins. The predictive value of the equation was reasonable with the coefficient of determination equal to 0.56 and the standard error of estimation SEE = 0.36. This equation was tested on the sample of adult and immature Robins captured during spring migration. The studied species is a typical short/medium distance migrant employing short step migration, which does not require large fat reserves.
Solitude at periphery: lack of partners limits reproduction of the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) at the margin of the distribution range
Authors: Konovalov Annika , Nellis Rein , Nellis Renno , Nurmla Ain , Sellis Urmas , Väli Ülo
Published: December 2023

Understanding the mechanisms forming species’ ranges is a central ecological question, which could be answered by analysing factors limiting peripheral populations. In threatened species, such studies are essential for establishing effective conservation measures across the range. We analysed factors potentially influencing breeding in a declining peripheral population of a long-lived bird, the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). We assessed reproductive success and the effects of intra- and interspecific competition, as well as predation by recording events at nests by remote cameras (camera traps and a webcam). Productivity of storks was low (1.1 fledglings per occupied nest) compared to the other parts of the range and resulted mainly from the lower proportion of successful nests (37% of occupied nests). The main reason for low breeding success was the occupancy of many nests (35%) by single non-reproductive birds.
Assessment of genetic variation and evolutionary history of Caucasian Grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi)
Authors: Mostajeran Maryam , Malekian Mansoureh , Fakheran Sima , Murtskhvaladze Marine , Fadakar Davoud , Habibzadeh Nader
Published: December 2023

Caucasian Grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi) is an endemic species found in the Caucasus whose population is declining. Initial assessment of genetic variation and phylogenetic status of the species confirmed the monophyly of L. mlokosiewiczias and indicated a sister relationship between L. mlokosiewiczi and L. tetrix (Black grouse). Further the Caucasian grouse from Georgia, Caucasus and Iran created three genetic groups with no shared haplotype. This separation could be the result of different evolutionary events or geographic distances between them. Four different haplotypes were identified in north-western Iran, distributed inside and outside Arasbaran protected area (APA), suggesting the expansion of APA to include Caucasian grouse habitats in the Kalibar Mountains (western APA) and enhance the protection of the species in the region.
CULTIVANDO SAÚDE: O POTENCIAL DAS HORTAS COMUNITÁRIAS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE
Authors: Silva Simone Romão da , Dias Alyne de Souza , Dias Amanda Carolyne de Souza , Oliveira Amanda Lopes de , Tessarolo Mariana Medeiros Mota , Dias Ewerton Naves
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Em meio aos desafios contemporâneos relacionados à saúde e a alimentação, as hortas comunitárias emergem como peças-chave na Atenção Primária à Saúde, desempenhando um papel essencial no fortalecimento da segurança alimentar e nutricional, e, por conseguinte, contribuindo significativamente para a promoção da saúde e de ambientes mais saudáveis nas comunidades. Objetivo: identificar as principais evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre o papel das hortas comunitárias na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura realizada nas bases da dados da Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde, PubMed e Google Acadêmico. Resultado: a amostra final contou com 22 estudos. Em síntese os estudos destacam que as hortas comunitárias emergem como uma estratégia multifacetada e vital, contribuindo significativamente para a Promoção e Educação em Saúde, a Prevenção de Doenças, o uso terapêutico por meio do cultivo de plantas medicinais, a geração de renda e a fomentação da socialização comunitária. Conclusão: As hortas comunitárias se destacam como espaços versáteis capazes de aprimorar a qualidade de vida das comunidades, transcendendo a mera produção de alimentos e emergindo como uma estratégia multifacetada para promover a saúde, prevenir doenças, preservar práticas tradicionais, impulsionar oportunidades econômicas e fortalecer o tecido social.
La iniciativa ciudadana europea y su reforma en 2019: un balance teórico-práctico
Authors: Fernández Silva Ángel
Published: December 2023

La iniciativa ciudadana europea (art. 11.4 TUE) es un mecanismo de participación que surgió con el objetivo de revitalizar la vida democrática de la Unión y facilitar la intervención de la sociedad civil organizada en los asuntos europeos. Sin embargo, tras su primera regulación en 2011, tan sólo siete iniciativas -de un total de 119 presentadas- han resultado atendidas por la Comisión hasta la actualidad, fracasando la mayoría de ellas por falta de apoyo. La Unión se propuso mejorar la operatividad del mecanismo a través del Reglamento 2019/788, introduciendo mejoras en el sistema de recogida de apoyos, la difusión de las iniciativas, habilitando la firma electrónica e introduciendo una leve minoración en el número y la representatividad de los apoyos requeridos. Sin embargo, el carácter sui generis y no vinculante de la ICE no siempre favorece que los colectivos la perciban como un instrumento útil para la demanda de intereses, problemas a los que se suman otros ya conocidos como la particular legitimidad de la Unión y un diseño institucional complejo. Es preciso analizar las principales novedades del Reglamento y comprobar a través de los datos si verdaderamente estamos ante un mecanismo efectivo de gobierno abierto.
La Universidad como escuela de gobierno
Authors: Pardo-Beneyto Gonzalo , Aldeguer-Cerdá Bernabé , Abellán López María Ángeles
Published: December 2023

Este trabajo tiene como principal propósito identificar una serie de arquetipos o tipos puros para el estudio de perfiles en el ámbito de la Administración Pública. Para ello, se efectuó una encuesta distribuida a alumnado de 4º de un programa de Doble Grado de Derecho y Ciencias Políticas y de la Administración en el curso 2021-2022. Los datos fueron tratados mediante el programa CAQDAS, MAXQDA 2022 y sirvieron para la realización de un análisis de discurso y la posterior generación de clúster. Los resultados del estudio identificaron tres tipos puros o modelos de percepción de la corrupción y sus posibles soluciones alternativas: el primero engloba a aquellos que dan importancia a la perspectiva individual y relacional; el segundo a aquellos que se centran en aspectos culturales y sociales; y, el tercero en la falta de eficiencia del sector público. Aunque cada modelo respalda medidas diferentes para luchar contra la corrupción, todos señalan la importancia de mejorar la información y la formación como una herramienta para vencer la desafección política.
Transparencia y Gobierno: puertas giratorias en España
Authors: Castillero-Ostio Elizabet , Moreno-Cabanillas Andrea , Castillo-Esparcia Antonio
Published: December 2023

El objetivo de la investigación es detectar posibles casos de puertas giratorias en España en los últimos cincuenta años. El enfoque metodológico utilizado es cuantitativo, a través de un análisis de contenido, y se centra en la tipología de puertas giratorias de salida del sector público al privado. Los datos muestran que los hombres ocupan la mayoría de los puestos de categorías superiores en los consejos de administración; evidenciando todavía la existencia de una brecha de género, no solo en cuanto a tipología de cargo alcanzado, sino también en proporción. Por otro lado, se observa que el sector energético es el que más emplea a personas que han formado parte de la Administración pública. En cuanto a la procedencia política, la mayoría de las personas que han ocupado puestos de relevancia en empresas provienen del poder Ejecutivo, especialmente de ministerios y consejerías autonómicas. El estudio también muestra que los dos partidos que más relaciones tienen entre el poder político y el sector empresarial son el PSOE y el PP, coincidiendo con las dos formaciones que más tiempo han gobernado España. Finalmente, se ha encontrado una disminución gradual en la práctica de puertas giratorias en la última década, lo que podría explicarse por la influencia de la crisis económica mundial de 2008, que llevó a una pérdida de dominio político en las grandes empresas, entre otros condicionantes.
El derecho a la información sobre riesgos en las emergencias de protección civil
Authors: Ochoa Monzó Josep
Published: December 2023

El trabajo analiza el derecho de acceso a la información del servicio de protección civil, de la actividad administrativa que debe prever los riesgos, prevenirlos y planificar la actuación frente a emergencias catastróficas.  Se demuestra cómo se ha ido ampliando no solo el derecho a conocer el riesgo que soporta una población en un territorio, sino también el derecho a conocer las medidas preventivas adoptadas por los poderes públicos, antes y durante la gestión de las emergencias de protección civil. Y en la fase de recuperación.
Este artículo estudia el sector, y la evolución del mismo que hoy ordena la Ley del Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil, para destacar que se consagran derechos ya aplicables en las normas de transparencia y del derecho de acceso a la información administrativa.
Recent Ice sheet surface warming events over coastal Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica: Causes and Implications
Authors: Gayathri Eledath M. , Laluraj Chavarukonam M. , Satheesan Karathazhiyath , Matsuoka Kenichi , Thamban Meloth
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Sudden short-term warming events over the ice sheet surface (hereafter Ice Sheet Surface Warming (ISSW) events) can affect mass balance by sublimation and on rare occasions melting when the temperature rises above 0 °C. On the one hand, the knowledge of the frequency and duration of these warming events is essential, while on the other hand, a process-level understanding of them is crucial for incorporating in climate models and tracing their behaviour in future climate scenarios. Here, we examined the ISSW events over coastal Dronning Maud Land (cDML) in East Antarctica using the borehole temperature record of an ice core covering a period of 2014–18 CE. The borehole surface thermistor record provided accurate estimation of year-round ISST and subsurface heat flux in the region. In total, 71 warming events (> 2 ºC for > 3 days) with a maximum warming of 11 °C were recorded during the period. They mostly occurred during spring (24) and winter (23), followed by autumn (15) and least in summer (9). The general meteorological setting during these events was the occurrence of strong winds. It was found that 84 % of ISSW events occurred during strong easterly winds with high snow accumulation, while 16 % occurred during strong southeasterly winds (katabatic) without any precipitation. The study suggests that for the first case, intense downward longwave radiation associated with warm air advection (with moisture from the surrounding ocean) heated the ice sheet’s surface and led to snowfall. For the second case, turbulent mixing due to strong and dry winds from the interior of the continent (katabatic) led to ISSW. Furthermore, the synoptic conditions during ISSW events differed by changes in the relative positions of low pressure and high pressure over the southern ocean. Considering the drastic drop in accumulation in cDML since 1906 CE, a simultaneous increase in ISSW events (via their sublimation and melting rates), appears to have greater implications on the mass balance and stability of coastal Antarctic ice sheets in the long term.
Calibration of absorbing boundary layers for geoacoustic wave modeling in pseudo-spectral time-domain methods
Authors: Spa Carlos , Rojas Otilio , de la Puente Josep
Published: December 2023

Abstract. This paper develops a calibration methodology of the artificial absorbing techniques typically used by Fourier pseudo-spectral time-domain (PSTD) methods for geoacoustic wave simulations. Specifically, we consider the damped wave equation (DWE) that results from adding a dissipation term to the original wave equation, the sponge boundary layer (SBL) that applies an exponentially decaying factor directly to the wavefields, and finally, a classical split formulation of the perfectly matched layer (PML). These three techniques belong to the same family of absorbing boundary layers (ABLs), where outgoing waves and edge reflections are progressively damped across a grid zone of NABL consecutive layers. The ABLs used are compatible with a pure Fourier formulation of PSTD. We first characterize the three ABLs with respect to multiple sets of NABL and their respective absorption parameters for homogeneous media. Next, we validate our findings in heterogeneous media of increasing complexity, starting with a layered medium and finishing with the SEG/EAGE 3D salt model. Finally, we algorithmically compare the three PSTD–ABL methods in terms of memory demands and computational cost. An interesting result is that PML, despite outperforming the absorption of the other two ABLs for a given NABL value, requires approximately double the computational time. The parameter configurations reported in this paper can be readily used for PSTD simulations in other test cases, and the ABL calibration methodology can be applied to other wave propagation schemes.