Abstract:

Many bird species have experienced population declines in recent years and are forced to deal with climate change effects, causing some species to adjust their migratory patterns. While numerous studies have addressed this issue, research from Luxembourg is currently still lacking. Therefore, this study investigated how the migratory numbers of three rare breeding bird species have changed over a time period of 10 years. For this purpose, the ringing data of the two largest bird ringing stations in Luxemburg were analysed. The results showed over time an overall increase in migratory numbers for Bluethroats (Luscinia svecica) due to increasing numbers in fall that more than compensated the decrease in spring. There were no significant changes in migratory numbers for Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) and Whinchats (Saxicola rubetra). These differing results underline the importance of migratory bird research and highlight the importance of stopover site conservation.

Abstract. Standardized bird monitoring schemes in wetlands are critical tools for governments and conservation bodies to optimize habitat management and guide conservation measures for protected species. Through the standardized establishment of a baseline, changes in abundance or diversity of local bird populations may be detected. During the years 2017-2019, data on the breeding bird community within a large wetland area called “Schlammwiss-Brill” in eastern Luxembourg were collected using the standardized territory mapping method. The 75 hectare study area constitutes the center piece of a Special Protection Area of the Birds Directive as well as national nature reserve. With 18 in site visits per breeding season between mid-April and the beginning of July, a total of 4,993 observations of 94 species were assessed. Using a species-specific evaluation approach, a breeding community of 50 different bird species with fluctuating population sizes between 160 and 332 territories were estimated. Red List and specialist wetland species include reed buntings Emberiza schoeniclus (18-34 territories), three acrocephalid warbler species: reed Acrocephalus scirpaceus (19-25 territories), sedge A. schoenobaenus (0-1 territories) and marsh warblers A. palustris (7-23 territories), common cuckoos Cuculus canorus (0-4 territories), water rails Rallus aquaticus (0-3 territories) as well as little grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis (0-1 territories). Produced distribution maps of selected indicator species serve as visual display of habitat conditions. Furthermore, the suitability of the chosen method as well as the quantitative and qualitative results are discussed. Concluding recommended habitat management practices may increase the area’s suitability for specialist wetland bird species inhabiting reed marshes as well as wet grasslands.

ÜBERSYREN Vogelberingungsstation „Schlammwiss“ wird 50

by Meldody Hansen

Abstract:

Check of morphological differences to define the sex of the Water pipit Anthus spinoletta

To investigate morphological differences between the sexes of the Water pipit Anthus spinoletta, 351 of 691 data sets dealing with wing length and partial feather length were evaluated based on the criteria of the Ornithological Station Sempach. 282 individuals (80%) were thus classified as males and 65 (19%) as females. For four pipits, no sex could be defined.

The result of this investigation confirms other authors that found separate winter grounds for both sexes. Male water pipits appear to winter predominantly north of the Alps.

Abstract:

Summary of Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta ringing in Luxembourg over the last 18 years

In 122 catching days 691 data sets of Water Pipits Anthus spinoletta were collected at the station of “Schlammwiss” in the last 18 years of ringing. The data concerned 521 individual birds. An improved catching method used since the winter 2011/12 led to increased numbers over the last winters and the maximum rate was achieved in 2017/18 with 104 individuals caught.

The data provide evidence that the Water Pipits reach their wintering grounds in Luxembourg in the 57th pentad (8.10. – 12.10.) and start to leave in the 17th pentad, some staying until the 23rd pentad (21.4. – 25.4.).

From the total of 691 catches, 104 concerned Water Pipits caught and ringed already during a preceding winter. The maximum time elapsed between ringing and recapture of an individual pipit was six years. In Autumn 57% of the Water Pipits are determined as juvenile, in Spring this percentage drops to 19%. The reasons therefore are discussed.