Changes in the timing and pattern of arrival of the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in western Poland

Abstract

Changes in the spring arrival dates of migrant birds, particularly passerines, have been reported from a range of locations. In this paper we take the opportunity provided by a detailed monitoring scheme to examine several features of the timing and arrival pattern of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) in Poznan  province, western Poland during the period 1983±2002. In doing so, we address several criticisms associated with the use of first arrival dates. We found no evidence of a weekend bias to phenological recording and, unlike in some other species, found no effect of population size on recorded arrival date. Some aspects of the arrival pattern got earlier over time and first arrival appears to have been about 10 days earlier in the last 20 years than in the previous century. Earlier arrival was associated with warmer spring weather and with a protracted arrival period. From our experience with this study, we suggest how the general public can be used to collect high quality phenological data.

Two-fold increase in White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) population in Lithuania: a consequence of changing agriculture?

“…White Storks usually nest in proximity to human settlements; their nests are large conspicuous structures visible from a distance (Ptaszyk et al, 2003;Daniluk et al, 2006;Kosicki and Kuźniak, 2006;Gordo et al, 2007;Onmuş et al, 2012). The census was carried out by over 20 observers, who were specifically trained in the survey methodology and outfitted with identical equipment and other material (survey maps, nest registration cards).…”

Updating Known Distribution Models for Forecasting Climate Change Impact on Endangered Species

“…These climatic changes are already altering some physical and biological systems and have already affected the distribution and population dynamics of a number of taxa across a broad range of geographical locations and habitats [4]–[9], and are expected to have even more severe consequences over the coming century [10]. Climate is one of the main determinant factors affecting the geographical range of species [4], [11]–[13], and birds, a well-studied group of organisms, may respond to climate change changing wintering areas, migration routes and breeding grounds [14], [15], undergoing changes in their phenology [16]–[21] and their local abundances [22], and also changing their overall distributions [23]–[26]. In this way, being able to anticipate the effects of climate change on the distribution of species could improve their management and conservation policy.…”

The Turnover of White StorksCiconia ciconiaon Nests During Spring Migration

“…Migrating birds may be attracted to "alien" nests and temporarily stop there, especially along migration routes. However, these suppositions are weakly supported by field data (Kuźniak 1994, Ptaszyk 1994, and, especially, the frequency of the appearance of non-breeders on nests is not especially known. Sparks et al (2001) pointed out the need to investigate the link between arrival date, nesting date and population performance.…”

“…In view of the paucity of ringing data, the frequency of this phenomenon can be determined by the distribution of the duration of nest occupancy. A short-term stay of one or two birds at a nest, sometimes for as little as a few minutes, followed by the absence of storks for many days, may indicate that these birds were non-breeders (Ptaszyk 1994). The nest in Sieniawka (the only site where observations of the arrival pattern were carried out with enough precision) was established in 1992, and occupied by breeding pairs over seven seasons to 2004.…”

“…The determination of a more precise start of nest occupancy is required in phenological studies of the White Stork. This date should be fixed by the beginning of the permanent stay of the second partner (see a similar suggestion in Ptaszyk 1994). Earlier, temporary appearances of second birds at the nest should not be considered, and as a result, periods following when the nest is de facto empty would not be included as part of the breeding season of a particular site.…”