<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Important Bird Areas in Macedonia: Sites of Global and European Importance</title>Identification of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is an initiative implemented by BirdLife International at the global level, aiming to conserve a network of sites that are particularly important for the conservation of birds. With the changed conservation status of some species and increased information on the distribution and population sizes of birds in Macedonia in general, a revision of the IBA network was needed to update previous inventories for this country, published in 1989 and 2000. As the bird fauna of the Republic of Macedonia ranks among the least known in Europe, and as data on many species, notably passerines, are still largely missing, the inventory is mainly based on some threatened or rare birds of prey and a few other larger species, yet characteristic of the Macedonian landscape. Data used were collected in the course of different dedicated studies and projects carried out after 2000. Out of 314 species so far registered in Macedonia, 114 regularly occurring species have currently unfavourable conservation status in Europe, 84 of which breed or possibly breed in the country. Several criteria for the selection of IBAs of global (A criterion) and European importance (B criterion) developed by BirdLife International were used for sites selection, taking into consideration species of global conservation concern (A1), biome-restricted species (A3), important congregations (A4, B1) and species with an unfavourable conservation status (B2) or concentrated (B3) in Europe. Species of global conservation concern used for site identification include the Egyptian Vulture <italic>Neophron percnopterus</italic>, considered Endangered (EN) at the global level according to the latest IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Dalmatian Pelican <italic>Pelecanus crispus</italic> and Imperial Eagle <italic>Aquila heliaca</italic> (both Vulnerable - VU), and Roller <italic>Coracias garrulus</italic> and Semicollared Flycatcher <italic>Ficedula semitorquata</italic> (both Near Threatened - NT). Furthermore, species assemblages characteristic as occurring mostly or entirely within a Eurasian high-montane or Mediterranean biome are found in Macedonia. Important congregations of non-breeding waterbirds with at least 1% of global or biogeographic populations of individual species occur on all three large lakes in the country, some of them (e.g. Dalmatian Pelican, Red-crested Pochard <italic>Netta rufina</italic>) in very large numbers, surpassing the 1% threshold by more than tenfold. In total, 25 species regularly occurring in the breeding season, for which the site protection approach is thought to be appropriate in Macedonia, were used for the selection of sites of European importance. Site boundaries were drawn following distinct natural features or isohypses to include breeding sites and foraging areas of triggering species, and, for Imperial Eagle and Egyptian Vulture also former breeding sites back to 1991, taking into consideration their habitat requirements, land-use and management needs. The resulting IBA list numbers 24 sites, covering 6,907 km2 or 26.9% of the entire territory of Macedonia: (1) Šar Planina Mountain, (2) River Radika Catchment, (3) Lake Ohrid, (4) Lake Prespa, (5) Demir Kapija Gorge, (6) Lake Dojran, (7) Zletovska River Valley, (8) Tikveš Region, (9) Pčinja - Petrošnica - Kriva Reka Rivers, (10) Preod - Gjugjance, (11) Osogovo Mountains, (12) Jakupica Mountain, (13) Taor Gorge, (14) Ovče Pole, (15) Topolka - Babuna - Bregalnica Rivers, (16) Gradsko - Rosoman - Negotino, (17) Lake Mantovo and Kriva Lakavica River, (18) Raec River Valley, (19) Pelagonia, (20) Mariovo, (21) Lake Tikveš, (22) Bošavija, (23) Kočani Rice Fields, and (24) Lower Vardar. With the exception of three sites occupying the highest parts of the large mountain massifs in NW and central parts of Macedonia, and the lakes Ohrid and Prespa, sites are concentrated mostly in central hilly and lowland parts of the country, comprising breeding areas of species of global conservation concern. The percentage of territory covered by the IBAs in Macedonia is relatively high compared to the total European average but comparable to several countries in SE parts of Europe. The size of separate IBAs ranges from 25 km2 (Taor Gorge) to 1,136 km2 (Pelagonia) and number of triggering species per site from one (Bošavija, Kočani Rice Fields) to 17 (Pčinja - Petrošnica - Kriva Reka Rivers). 22 sites trigger some of the criteria of global importance - three sites (Lakes Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran) meet A4 criterion, eight sites hold significant populations of species characteristic of the Mediterranean biome, while three other sites sustain significant populations characteristic of the European high-montane biome. Species of global conservation concern are included as follows: Egyptian Vulture on 13 sites, Imperial Eagle on 7, Dalmatian Pelican and Saker Falcon <italic>Falco cherrug</italic> on 2, Ferruginous Duck <italic>Aythya nyroca</italic> on 3, Roller <italic>Coracias garrulus</italic> on 10, Red-footed Falcon <italic>Falco vespertinus</italic> on 3 sites, and Semi-collared Flycatcher on 1 site. Individual triggering species for sites of European importance are represented on 2-15 sites. The IBA network includes 80-100% of the national populations of the globally threatened species, while the coverage of other species vary between 5% and 100%, being over 40% in great majority of species. Non-irrigated arable land and transitional woodland-shrub are dominant land-cover types, jointly covering 32% of the total IBA surface area. Abandonment of traditional pastoral system, resulting in decrease of the livestock numbers and overgrowing as well as trapping, poisoning and poaching, are considered the most serious threats for triggering species, particularly the Egyptian Vulture and Imperial Eagle, being classified as high on no less than 11 sites, respectively. The national legal protection of the sites is incomplete, being either only partial or with inadequate conservation measures adopted, or, many sites still lack any form of legal protection. With about 21% of the National protected area network overlapping with the IBAs, the existing protected area system is thus insufficient for conservation of most priority species. Notably underrepresented are the regions in the lower parts of the country with the highest number of species of global conservation concern.</abstract>

Macedonian Ecological Society, P. O. Box 162, MK-1000 Skopje, Macedonia

Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia, Voždova 14, RS-18000 Niš, Serbia

Aquila Nature Conservation Association, Belasica 3, MK-1400 Kavadarci, Macedonia

Fund for Wild Flora and Fauna, BG-2700 Blagoevgrad, P. O. Box 78, Bulgaria

DOPPS - BirdLife Slovenia, Kamenškova 18, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia

EuroNatur, Konstanzer Str. 22, D-78315 Radolfzell, Germany

Important Bird Areas in Macedonia: Sites of Global and European Importance

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In 2006–2017, annual censuses of breeding bird species regarded as indicators of natural rivers were carried out on the 38.9 km long lowland stretch of the Drava riverbed between Maribor and Zavrč with altered flow regime due to the operating hydropower plants. Gravel bar habitats were surveyed in four years of the study period by combining orthophoto analysis and analysis of field photographs. Effects of gravel bar management were evaluated based at 20 locations. The Little Ringed Plover <italic>Charadrius dubius</italic> occurred on 39.8% of the gravel bars, but most were occupied only in a few years and held just one breeding pair. Low numbers between 2009 and 2012 (&lt; 30 pairs) were followed by a steep population increase from 2014 onwards to a maximum of 66–73 pairs (1.7–1.9 p/km). Such population dynamics was attributed to the lack of large discharges (&gt;500 m3/s) and consequent overgrowing of riverbed in the first part of the study period, while the increase in the second part was due to the creation of extensive shingle areas (from 20,6 ha in 2009/10 to 37,8 ha in 2014) by the extreme flood in early November 2012, subsequent regular occurrence of large discharges outside the breeding seasons and large-scale removals of woody vegetation. Breeding population of Common Sandpiper <italic>Actitis hypoleucos</italic> remained at a rather similar low level (&lt;20 p) during most of the period studied after an initial decline, and did not reflect changes in the overall surface area of riverbed habitats. Contrary to the general situation, the number of breeding pairs on gravel bars subjected to management increased several-fold. Maximum number of pairs on these bars was reached up to four years after the initiation of management measures, as only then the optimal mosaic of early successional stages interspersed with shingle areas developed at main sites. The species was widespread only on lower part of the Drava. Kingfisher <italic>Alcedo atthis</italic> was fairly widely distributed along the riverbed, but occurred in rather low densities throughout (c. one pair on 2–3 km of the studied riverbed on average), probably as a result of limited bank erosion and consequent overgrowing/lack of suitable nest sites. The population was estimated as stable with effects of harsh winter conditions on breeding numbers in some years. The majority of nest holes were excavated in eroded river banks along the main river channel (77.8%), followed by similar sites located in mouth areas of small tributaries of the Drava (14.8%). Regular breeding of Sand Martin <italic>Riparia riparia</italic> since 2012 (up to 259, mostly at only one location annually) was almost exclusively the result of the annual artificial nest site preparation programme. Fairly large gravel bar-breeding population of White Wagtail <italic>Motacilla alba</italic>, monitored since 2013 and predominantly ground nesting in sparsely vegetated areas, seems unusual considering the prevalent breeding habits of the species at the European scale. Conservation implications and guidelines for future management efforts are discussed.</abstract>

Population dynamics of five riverbed breeding bird species on the lower Drava River, NE Slovenia

<abstract>Between the end of February 2007 and mid-February in 2008, 73 systematic surveys of waterbirds and raptors were carried out during 10-day periods at Cerknica polje (Southern Slovenia). The main objectives of our research were: to ascertain the abundance and temporal dynamics of the species occurring here, to specify their status, to make a comparison with the past period of systematic data gathering in the 1991-1992 period, to present estimates of the breeding, migrating and wintering populations, as well as to make, on these bases, a nature-conservancy evaluation of the area. Other ornithological data, acquired till the end of 2010, were gathered as well. Between the beginning of May and the beginning of September 2007, the water in the area virtually ran dry (it was retained only in the channels of the streams), while the surface itself was partially or fully icebound from mid-November 2007 till the beginning of February 2008. By the end of 2010, a total of 129 waterbird and raptor species were recorded at Cerknica polje, while in the 2007-2008 period 83 were registered. Dynamics of the species occurrence with more than nine observations made in the area is presented in a greater detail in the species overview. The breeding status was held by 27 bird species, while further seven were forage guests that bred in the vicinity of the study area. Most of the species (118) had the status of passage visitor, whereas those with the status of summer visitor (34) and winter visitor (40) were fewer. Among the recorded species, 34 were accidental and 21 rare visitors. There were 16 winter and seven summer residents, while year-round residents were six. In all 10-day periods of the research period, four species were recorded: Mallard Anas plathyrhynchos, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Buzzard Buteo buteo and Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. In more than 90% of 10-day periods, the Great Egret Ardea alba was recorded as well. In the 2007-2008 period, two species were eudominant (Mallard 27.2%, Buzzard 10.1%), whereas another two were dominant (Garganey Anas querquedula 7.4%, Coot Fulica atra 6.4%). Most individuals were registered at the end of March and in early April (up to 1,978 ind.), whereas the greatest numbers of species (48) were recorded in mid-April. Between May and August, the numbers of individuals and species were low owing to the dried up lake. The smallest area of occurrence was occupied by the Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and a group of ducks of the genera Aythya, Bucephala and Mergellus. Gulls, egrets, herons, waders, harriers Circus sp. and the Red-footed Kestrel Falco vespertinus occurred in the greater part of the research area. 10 breeders fulfilled the criteria of the species of the greatest conservation importance, two of which (Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca and Curlew Numenius arquata) are species of global conservation concern, whereas seven are of conservation concern on a European scale. Among non-breeders, 14 waterbird species and raptors occurred in significant numbers (&gt; 0.1% biogeographical population), five of which occurred at least occasionally with more than 1% of their biographical population. Two species (Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena and Snipe Gallinago gallinago) breed in Slovenia only at Cerknica polje, while further six species have here at least 40% of their Slovenian breeding population</abstract>

Vodne ptice in ujede Cerkniškega polja (južna Slovenija) v letih 2007 in 2008, s pregledom zanimivejših opazovanj do konca leta 2010 / Waterbirds and raptors of Cerknica polje (southern Slovenia) in 2007 and 2008, with an overview of interesting observations till the end of 2010

<abstract>In 2012 and 2013, the selection of foraging habitats and the diet of the Hoopoe Upupa epops were studied in the Goričko area, where a significant population decline of the species has been recorded in the past 15 years. Goričko is an area with a well-preserved traditional mosaic-like agricultural landscape very rich in biodiversity which, however, is disappearing. The diet was determined using automatic camera recordings of prey brought to chicks by parents. Mole crickets Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa were the most dominant prey (35.4% frequency and 81.3% biomass of prey), followed by Scarab beetles larvae Scarabaeidae, caterpillars Lepidoptera larvae and True flies Diptera. Feeding frequency was highest in the period of most intensive chick growth (between 8 and 21 days of age). Selection of foraging habitat was researched by observation of birds during foraging. Hoopoes foraged mostly in mown meadows and grassy courtyards and, to a lesser extent, on sandy cart tracks and road edges. These habitats were characterized by low vegetation and patches of bare ground that enabled Hoopoes to forage efficiently. Home range size was determined using minimum convex polygons. The maximum home range size was between 42.9 and 57.7 ha, while the percentage of foraging habitats within the home range did not exceed 18%. Based on our results, we propose the following measures for effective Hoopoe conservation in the area: maintaining the present range of existing unimproved meadows, stopping the conversion of meadows into fields, restoring fields to meadows, prohibiting the use of pesticides targeting Mole crickets.</abstract>

Ravna ulica 8, SI–2311 Hoče, Slovenija

DOPPS – Društvo za opazovanje in proučevanje ptic Slovenije, Tržaška cesta 2, SI–1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija

Selection of foraging habitat and diet of the Hoopoe Upupa epops in the mosaic-like cultural landscape of Goričko (NE Slovenia)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Among 48 raptor species (birds of prey, owls, shrikes) recorded recently in Slovenia, some long-term monitoring activities are being conducted for more than half of them, mainly for conservation and research purposes. However, national coverage is achieved only in 15% of the species, whereas other monitoring programmes are more or less local. Two monitoring approaches are considered, the species specific approach and assemblage approach. Current ongoing monitoring programmes for raptors in Slovenia lack monitoring of breeding success, which is now confined to only a few owl species. Use of nestboxes should therefore be considered more broadly in the future for some species at least</abstract>

A preliminary overview of raptor monitoring in Slovenia – an overview of methodologies, current monitoring status and future perspectives

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> In 2013, 73,529 birds of 161 species were ringed in Slovenia, with 114 finds from abroad, 73 finds of foreign-ringed birds and 1580 local finds. The most numerous ringed species were Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, while among ringed nestlings Great Tits Parus major and Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus prevailed. The most numerous species among recoveries was the Mute Swan Cygnus olor with probably the oldest swan recorded in Slovenia so far, a 25-year-old female. The longest distance recovery concerned a Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus from Norway (2,801 km). Of interest among local finds is the longest recovery distance (122 km) recorded for Ural Owl Strix uralensis in Slovenia so far. In 2013, two rare species for Slovenia were ringed, Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (2 individuals) and Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope, which was the first record for Slovenia. The first analysis of ringing sites in Slovenia is given as a baseline for establishing a network of Constant Effort Sites</abstract>

Prirodoslovni muzej Slovenije, Prešernova c. 20, p.p. 290, SI–1001 Ljubljana

Obročkovalna Dejavnost in Pregled Najdb Obročkanih Ptic V Sloveniji V Letu 2013 / An overview of bird ringing in Slovenia in 2013

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The difference in habitat use by the observed waterbird species at Rački ribniki (Rače Ponds, NE Slovenia) was studied between June and August 2011. It was assessed that different waterbird species, even closely related species like <italic>Aythya</italic> ducks, use wetlands differently, with Tufted Ducks <italic>A. fuligula</italic> observed more on Open water and Ferruginous Ducks <italic>A. nyroca</italic> more often amongst Floating vegetation. The latter was used more often probably due to the abundance of food in the habitat. Highest species richness was recorded on Floating vegetation as well. This was reflected in species richness of individual ponds, where ponds with more floating vegetation had higher species richness. Although Coots <italic>Fulica atra</italic> were expected to utilize Floating vegetation more often due to their feeding preferences, they were observed more often on Open water probably feeding on fish fodder available there. The difference in habitat use by the families and nonbreeding individuals of the same species was noted, too, mostly by observing families in habitats that provide more cover from predators (Reeds), or more invertebrate food (Floating vegetation) for the young that often feed on different food than adults. Furthermore, it was suggested that overall management of wetlands should consider providing more suitable wetlands with larger aquatic vegetation cover.
</abstract>

Habitat use by waterbirds at Rački ribniki, NE Slovenia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The population ecology of the Eurasian Bullfinch <italic>Pyrrhula pyrrhula</italic> is almost unknown in Iberia, where the subspecies <italic>iberiae</italic> lives. The present study provides a first approach to the population attributes of this subspecies in an area located in northern Spain, characterised by a landscape dominated by hedgerows and meadows. In particular, I analysed the population density, age distribution and sex ratio during a six-year period (2001–2006). By exploring the entire area, I estimated the density in each month, and distinguished males, females and juveniles. In winter, samplings by line transect were also used to obtain abundance indices to compare different days, months and years (1999−2005 period). Density values during the breeding season were similar between years, but winter abundances changed considerably at different temporal scales. A density peak was found in July–August, with the highest percentages of juvenile individuals occurring in August– September. Individuals clearly performing post-juvenile moult were seen during August–November. Sex ratio was markedly biased towards males throughout the year. Several biological and ecological characteristics of the Bullfinch, together with a favourable habitat and small changes of environmental conditions from year to year, seemingly promoted the relatively high stable breeding population densities estimated during the study period. The high variation in winter abundances was likely due to short-medium range movements. The high population density in late summer was a consequence of the addition of juveniles each year. The greater parental effort of females compared to males – since the former are responsible for most of the reproductive tasks and directly suffer considerable predation during incubation – was probably a root cause of the skewed sex ratio.
</abstract>

Temporal variation in the population density and structure of the Eurasian Bullfinch <italic>Pyrrhula pyrrhula</italic> in the Iberian Peninsula

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
So far, much effort has been invested in the conservation of vulnerable freshwater habitats, yet their number still displays a decreasing tendency worldwide. Although many species have accepted man-made wetlands, their frequent disturbance may have a negative impact on these species. In this study, we examined the effects of human disturbance on the Great Reed Warbler, <italic>Acrocephalus arundinaceus</italic>, nesting population in a semi-urban reed habitat (canal) in Sombor, north-western Serbia. We found that Great Reed Warblers avoided nesting in canal sections where humans altered the reed and bank vegetation by cutting and building piers and other objects. The nesting population moved to other, less disturbed canal sections. Despite the disturbance, the breeding parameters, such as brood parasitism, nest predation, nest desertion and nesting success, did not show significant variations. We conclude that human disturbance does not change breeding performance but may cause adult birds to leave the habitat. We suggest that any human disturbance should be limited and carefully undertaken by following governmental rules.
</abstract>

Human disturbance affects distribution but not nesting success of the Great Reed Warbler in a semi-urban reed habitat

Rare birds in Slovenia in 2020 and 2021 – Slovenian Rarities Committee’s Report

Results of the January 2021 waterbird census in Slovenia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The article presents a historical revision of data on the occurrence of the Cream-coloured Courser <italic>Cursorius cursor</italic> in Slovenia. A review of historical sources revealed that the species occurred in Slovenia at least three times after 1800, for the first time between 27 and 31 December 1847 in Šentvid near Ljubljana (specimen in the collection of the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Ljubljana, Slovenia), for the second time in November 1892 near St. Janž (present day Starše) on the Drava plain (specimen in the collection of the Joanneum Museum, Graz, Austria) and last on 3 October 1976 at the Sečovlje salt pans (observation was not documented with preserved specimen or photograph). All three data have previously been published in various historical sources, but some were overlooked during the preparation of lists of Slovenian avifauna.
</abstract>

History of the Cream-coloured Courser <italic>Cursorius cursor</italic> occurrence in Slovenia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The present article is an upgrade and update of national checklists published by the Slovenian Rarities Committee in the past. A species is considered rare if fewer than 10 records are known after 1st January 1950. The number of records for these species is given in the list. Additionally, species designated as rare in the last edition of the list and extinct breeders were also considered. All records after 1st January 2001, included in the list, were confirmed by the current Slovenian Rarities Committee. Data collection for the period between 1st January 1800 and 31st December 1949 was centred on evaluating written sources, which were the basis for inclusion of a species into previous editions of the list. The data classification and taxonomy follow the recommendations of the British Ornithologists' Union. The list includes species observed at least once between 1st January 1800 and 31st December 2011. The list of birds recorded in Slovenia contains 380 species, of which 365 are in Category A, seven in Category B and eight in Category C. Category D contains six and Category E 29 species. These species are not part of the list. In comparison with the last version of the list published in 2001, 10 species recorded in Slovenia for the first time during this period were added. Two species were added because of taxonomic changes and five due to changes in species categories. Seven species were removed from the list owing to inaccurate information in historic written sources or misidentification.</abstract>

Židovska ulica 1, SI−1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija

Langusova 10, SI−1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija

Seznam ugotovljenih ptic Slovenije s pregledom redkih vrst /  The list of birds of Slovenia with an overview of rare species

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Despite the key role of raptors (including birds of prey Falconiformes and owls Strigiformes) in ecosystems and their sensitivity to environmental change, a well coordinated, Europe-wide monitoring of raptors is lacking. EURAPMON, a Research Networking Programme of the European Science Foundation, was launched with the aim of establishing a sustainable Europewide network for monitoring of raptors. An overview of current monitoring schemes for raptor populations in 28 European countries, as reported by EURAPMON National Coordinators at the workshop in Murcia (Spain) in 2012, showed existing monitoring schemes to be limited to a restricted number of species (mostly diurnal and rare raptor species). The most widely monitored species are the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos amongst diurnal raptors and the Eagle Owl Bubo bubo amongst owls. Broad coverage of a species range across Europe is reached only for restricted-range species. The key driver for monitoring, which is mostly coordinated by NGOs, is conservation, and the main end users are governmental institutions. International collaboration in the field of monitoring of raptors is mainly regional and not yet pan-European in scale. The involvement of volunteers in raptor monitoring was perceived as the main strength of many schemes, but insufficient manpower and a focus on rare species were recognised as the main weaknesses across Europe as a whole. Among priorities identified for the future development of monitoring schemes are: improvements to national coordination; support to increase the number of volunteers; and assurances of stable funding. Further analysis of EURAPMON questionnaires will identify knowledge gaps, which will steer good practice guidance on survey methodologies; the need for the latter was identified as the main benefit that National Coordinators expect to gain from international networking</abstract>

National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI–1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom

Finnish Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 17, FI–00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

British Trust for Ornithology (Scotland), School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland

BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, United Kingdom

Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Overview of raptor monitoring activities in Europe

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Population dynamics of the White Stork <italic>Ciconia ciconia</italic> in Slovenia between 1999 and 2010</title>Between 1999 and 2010, an annual census of the White Stork <italic>Ciconia ciconia</italic> breeding population was carried out in Slovenia using standardised methods. The Stork's population was concentrated in the NE and SE parts of Slovenia. In the 1999-2010 period, the breeding range of its population in Slovenia expanded in NW direction (the Savska ravan region), in SW direction (the Notranjsko podolje and Pivško podolje regions), but the species also colonized a part between Central and SE Slovenia (Dolenjsko podolje). Between 193 and 240 pairs were breeding during the study period, 209 pairs on average (HPa). The largest number of breeding pairs was recorded in 2004, the smallest in 2005. During the study period, breeding pairs (HPa) occupied 350 discrete nests in total. Average number of breeding pairs that raised juveniles (HPm) was 161. The highest fecundity was recorded in 2004, when 534 juveniles (JZG) fledged, the lowest in 2006, with only 219 fledged juveniles. On average, 414 juveniles fledged per year. The breeding pairs' (JZa) average breeding success in these 12 years was 2.02, the highest in 2000 (2.41), the lowest in 2006 (1.09). Average breeding success for the successful breeding pairs (JZm) was 2.57. The highest was in 2007 (2.94), the lowest in 2006 (2.07). The largest number of breeding pairs in 2004 and 2008 can be explained by the favourable fecundity in the population in 2000 and 2004, as juveniles become sexually mature at the age of 3-5 years, and at that age they generally return to the breeding grounds for the first time. The lowest number of breeding pairs and poor breeding success in 2005 and 2006 was caused by late arrival of White Storks to the breeding grounds and by unfavourable weather conditions during the breeding period. The pattern of nests placement did not change generally during the last 12 years. The largest proportion of nests was positioned on various kinds of poles (81%) and on chimneys (18%). In total, 27 area surveyors and 239 assistants helped in census realisation.</abstract>

Population dynamics of the White Stork <italic>Ciconia ciconia</italic> in Slovenia between 1999 and 2010

<abstract>In 2015, the International Waterbird Census (IWC) was carried out in Slovenia on 17 and 18 Jan. Waterbirds were counted on all larger rivers, along the entire Slovenian Coastland and on most of the major standing waters in the country. During the census, in which 276 observers took part, 409 sections of the rivers and coastal sea with a total length of 1385.8 km and 224 other localities (172 standing waters and 52 streams) were surveyed. Altogether, 46,425 waterbirds of 57 species were counted. This is one of the lowest numbers of waterbirds recorded during the 19 years of IWC in Slovenia. The highest numbers of waterbirds were counted in the Drava count area, i.e. 17,014 individuals (36.7% of all waterbirds in Slovenia). By far the most numerous species was Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (45.9% of all waterbirds), followed by Coot Fulica atra (8.4% of all waterbirds), Blackheaded Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (7.5% of all waterbirds), Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (5.7% of all waterbirds) and Mute Swan Cygnus olor (4.6% of all waterbirds). The number of 1000 counted individuals was also surpassed by Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis and Teal An. crecca. Among the rarer recorded species, the Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (registered only for the third time during the IWC) and Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus (registered only for the fourth time during the IWC) deserve special mention. Also, Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea was recorded for the fourth time during the IWC, but the individual observed was classified to category E (introduced species without self-sustaining populations, escapees from captivity). Numbers of the following species were the highest so far recorded during the IWC: Greylag Goose Anser anser, Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata, Shoveler An. clypeata, Goosander Mergus merganser and Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. The number of Redbreasted Mergansers M. serrator was the lowest so far recorded during the IWC. </abstract>

Rezultati januarskega štetja vodnih ptic leta 2015 v Sloveniji/ Results of the January 2015 waterbird census in Slovenia

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Monitoring of facultative avian scavengers on large mammal carcasses in Dinaric forest of Slovenia</title>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.</abstract>

Monitoring of facultative avian scavengers on large mammal carcasses in Dinaric forest of Slovenia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> We examined ringing recovery data of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in order to analyse its migration patterns and philopatry rates in Eastern Europe. In addition, we extracted counts of migrating birds from online databases and studied the use of the flyway as well as the phenology of both spring and autumn migrations through Greece. Birds appeared to migrate in the same mean direction in spring and autumn through the Italian and Balkan Peninsulas. During spring, movements took place on a broad front from March until mid- May with a peak in mid-April; in autumn, birds migrated through Greece on a narrower front from early August to early October, with most of individuals passing through Greece in mid-September. Finally, philopatry rates were higher for adults, while juvenile birds dispersed more often and at longer distances, up to 974 km away. Our results on migration patterns generally agree with those in other studies, but we found some evidence of long-distance premigratory movements towards mainland Greece that could also shape the narrower front migration in autumn. In addition, long distance dispersal movements of juveniles in southeastern Europe, where Lesser Kestrel populations show a fragmented distribution, could facilitate gene flow between populations, thus avoiding the negative effects of mating with genetically similar individuals.</abstract>

Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics Lab, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina,

MEDRAPTORS (Mediterranean Raptor Migration Network), via Mario Fioretti 18, 00152 Rome,

Antikythira Bird Observatory, Hellenic Ornithological Society / BirdLife Greece, Themistokleous 80, GR-10681 Athens,

The Migration of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in Eastern Europe - A Ringing Recovery and Direct Observation Approach

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Acrocephalus

The Journal of Bird Watching and Bird Study Association of Slovenia - DOPPS Bird Life

 Original work on all fields of ornithology, without any geographical limitation, is published in Acrocephalus. However, articles covering the south-eastern European and eastern...

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 Original work on all fields of ornithology, without any geographical limitation, is published in Acrocephalus. However, articles covering...