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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 [Charadrius dubius] 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 (< 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 (>500 m[3]/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 [Actitis hypoleucos] remained at a rather similar low level (<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 [Alcedo atthis] 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 [Riparia riparia] 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 [Motacilla alba], 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.

Mercury concentrations were examined in the liver, kidneys, and tail and breast feathers of common and green sandpipers from Zayanderud Dam in west-central Iran. The aim was to provide indirect information about habitat contamination. Tail feathers of both species had higher mercury levels compared to other tissues. Moreover, tissues of common sandpipers had significantly higher mercury concentrations compared to tissues of green sandpipers. Male specimens of both species had higher values of mercury compared to females. The pattern of larger body size-higher mercury body burden was not completely true in the current study. Smaller and shorter common sandpipers had higher mercury concentrations compared to taller and heavier green sandpipers. At the intraspecific level, body weight was positively correlated with mercury concentrations in tissues of common sandpipers. Based on the data presented here, it appears that these sandpipers, especially common sandpipers, are at potential risk from the toxic effects of mercury.

There is an urgent need to understand how climate change will impact on demographic parameters of vulnerable species. Migrants are regarded as particularly vulnerable to climate change; phenological mismatch has resulted in the local decline of one passerine, whilst variations in the survival of others have been related to African weather conditions. However, there have been few demographic studies on trans-Saharan non-passerine migrants, despite these showing stronger declines across Europe than passerines. We therefore analyse the effects of climate on the survival and productivity of common sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos, a declining non-passerine long-distant migrant using 28 years' data from the Peak District, England. Adult survival rates were significantly negatively correlated with winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), being lower when winters were warm and wet in western Europe and cool and dry in northwest Africa. Annual variation in the productivity of the population was positively correlated with June temperature, but not with an index of phenological mismatch. The 59% population decline appears largely to have been driven by reductions in adult survival, with local productivity poorly correlated with subsequent population change, suggesting a low degree of natal philopatry. Winter NAO was not significantly correlated with adult survival rates in a second, Scottish Borders population, studied for 12 years. Variation in climatic conditions alone does not therefore appear to be responsible for common sandpiper declines. Unlike some passerine migrants, there was no evidence for climate-driven reductions in productivity, although the apparent importance of immigration in determining local recruitment complicates the assessment of productivity effects. We suggest that further studies to diagnose common sandpiper declines should focus on changes in the condition of migratory stop-over or wintering locations. Where possible, these analyses should be repeated for other declining migrants.

Spring returns and with it the birds. But it also brings throngs of birders who emerge, binoculars in hand, to catch a glimpse of a rare or previously unseen species or to simply lay eyes on a particularly fine specimen of a familiar type. In a delightful meditation that unexpectedly ranges from the Volga Delta to Central Park and from Charles Dickens's Hard Times to a 1940s London burlesque show, Jeremy Mynott ponders what makes birds so beautiful and alluring to so many people. Princeton Shorts are brief selections taken from influential Princeton University Press books and produced exclusively in ebook format. Providing unmatched insight into important contemporary issues or timeless passages from classic works of the past, Princeton Shorts enable you to be an instant expert in a world where information is everywhere but quality is at a premium.

Abundance and distribution of selected breeding river-bed birds on the Drava River between Maribor and Sredisce ob Dravi (NE Slovenia) in 2006 and 2009, and causes of the reduction of their populations Between mid-April and mid-June of 2006 and 2009, breeding Little Ringed Plovers [Charadrius dubius], Common Sandpipers [Actitis hypoleucos] and Kingfishers [Alcedo atthis] were surveyed along the bed of the Drava River between Maribor and Sredisce ob Dravi. The entire bed (56.1 km) was surveyed in this area in 2006, and the part between Maribor and the state border at Zavrc (38.8 km) in 2009. Birds were mostly counted from a moving boat and during stops on the river's gravel bars. The area was divided into five sections, and birds counted twice in each. Special criteria for breeding pair definition were applied during interpretation of the results. In 2006, the size of the Little Ringed Plover's breeding population was estimated at 75-87 pairs, the Common Sandpiper's at 56-65 pairs, and the Kingfisher's at 17-24 pairs. The part of the Drava River surveyed in 2009 was used as a breeding ground by 16-22 Little Ringed Plover pairs, 22-24 Common Sandpiper pairs, and 14 Kingfisher pairs. In 2006, the linear density in the entire study area was 1.3-1.6 Little Ringed Plover pairs/km, 1.0-1.2 Common Sandpiper pairs/km and 0.3-0.4 Kingfisher pairs/km of the river stream, while in 2009 their densities were somewhat lower. The differences in densities between survey sections were similar in both years. In both 2006 and 2009, 1-2 Little Ringed Plover pairs bred on most of the occupied gravel bars. In 2006, this species bred on 33 of a total of 92 gravel bars (35.9%) in the part of the river between Maribor and Zavrc, and in 2009, on 15 bars (16.3%). In the upper part of the Drava River, the Common Sandpiper was a relatively sparse breeding bird during the two surveys, but much more numerous in the middle and lower parts of the river. With an average of one pair per 2-3 km of the river stream, the Kingfisher was fairly evenly distributed along the entire bed of the Drava River during both surveys. In 2009, the number of Little Ringed Plover breeding pairs in the part of the river between Maribor and Zavrc was by 62% lower than in 2006. Consideration of all possible causes for these results leads the authors to conclude that the major cause of the birds' reduced abundance over this period lies in the increased overgrowing of gravel bars with woody plants and herbs and thus reduced surface area of bare shingle that is, apart from the height of gravel bars, the most significant factor for the settling of this species. The increased overgrowing of gravel bars in 2009 can be explained by the difference in the number of days with large discharges (≥ 400 m[3]/s) in the years prior to the two surveys, given that during the three years before the 2009 survey there were considerably fewer (3/1) than in the same period before the 2006 survey (6/6). The condition in 2009 was thus the direct result of the absence of floods that maintain the surfaces of bare shingle on gravel bars and reduce their overspreading with herbage. In the study area, the linear densities of Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper are among the highest in Central Europe, while those of the Kingfisher are approximately the same as on other rivers in this geographical region. The large Little Ringed Plover population that breeds here in its natural habitat is of special significance for conservation. In fact, the Drava River is of a great national significance for all three species, it being the breeding ground of more than 10% or 15% of the national population of Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper, and 8% of the Kingfisher's national population.

What draws us to the beauty of a peacock, the flight of an eagle, or the song of a nightingale? Why are birds so significant in our lives and our sense of the world? And what do our ways of thinking about and experiencing birds tell us about ourselves? Birdscapes is a unique meditation on the variety of human responses to birds, from antiquity to today, and from casual observers to the globe-trotting \"twitchers\" who sometimes risk life, limb, and marriages simply to add new species to their \"life lists.\" Drawing extensively on literature, history, philosophy, and science, Jeremy Mynott puts his own experiences as a birdwatcher in a rich cultural context. His sources range from the familiar--Thoreau, Keats, Darwin, and Audubon--to the unexpected--Benjamin Franklin, Giacomo Puccini, Oscar Wilde, and Monty Python. Just as unusual are the extensive illustrations, which explore our perceptions and representations of birds through images such as national emblems, women's hats, professional sports logos, and a Christmas biscuit tin, as well as classics of bird art. Each chapter takes up a new theme--from rarity, beauty, and sound to conservation, naming, and symbolism--and is set in a new place, as Mynott travels from his \"home patch\" in Suffolk, England, to his \"away patch\" in New York City's Central Park, as well as to Russia, Australia, and Greece. Conversational, playful, and witty, Birdscapes gently leads us to reflect on large questions about our relation to birds and the natural world. It encourages birders to see their pursuits in a broader human context--and it shows nonbirders what they may be missing.

Australia is home to a spectacular diversity of birdlife, from parrots and penguins to emus and vibrant passerines.Birds of Australiacovers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrants and features more than 1,100 stunning color photographs, including many photos of subspecies and plumage variations never before seen in a field guide. Detailed facing-page species accounts describe key identification features such as size, plumage, distribution, behavior, and voice. This one-of-a-kind guide also provides extensive habitat descriptions with a large number of accompanying photos. The text relies on the very latest IOC taxonomy and the distribution maps incorporate the most current mapping data, making this the most up-to-date guide to Australian birds. Covers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrantsFeatures more than 1,100 stunning color photosIncludes facing-page species accounts, habitat descriptions, and distribution mapsThe ideal photographic guide for beginners and seasoned birders alike

Located in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti is one of the world's most famous wildlife regions.Birds of the Serengetiis a groundbreaking and essential photographic guide, featuring more than 270 bird species most likely to be encountered in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This easy-to-use guide includes 480 dazzling color photos, an attractive and handy layout, and informative and accessible text that discusses interesting behaviors and provides insights into species background. Rich in detail, this indispensable volume uses a habitat-based approach, making it simple for everyone-from the novice to the experienced birdwatcher-to locate diverse birds in this fascinating area of the world. Looks at more than 270 bird species most likely to be encountered in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Speke GulfFeatures major plumage variationsHabitat-based approachInformative and accessible text

Kenya's Rift Valley includes four major national parks--Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Mount Longonot, and Hell's Gate--as well as many smaller areas that are outstanding for wildlife.Birds of Kenya's Rift Valleyfeatures the 320 bird species that are most likely to be encountered on safari in this world-famous region, which runs from Lake Baringo in the north to Lake Magadi in the south. Featuring over 500 stunning color photos, this beautiful guide breaks new ground with its eye-catching layout and easy-to-use format. The book follows a habitat-based approach and provides interesting information about the ecology and behaviors of each species.Birds of Kenya's Rift Valleyavoids technical jargon in the species descriptions, which makes the guide easily accessible to anyone. With it, you will be identifying birds in no time. Stunning photos of 320 bird speciesMajor plumage variations depictedJargon-free textHelpful notes on what to look and listen for, behavior, and why some birds are so named

This stunningly illustrated book from acclaimed birder and photographer Richard Crossley revolutionizes field guide design by providing the first real-life approach to identification. Whether you are a beginner, expert, or anywhere in between,The Crossley ID Guidewill vastly improve your ability to identify birds. Unlike other guides, which provide isolated individual photographs or illustrations, this is the first book to feature large, lifelike scenes for each species. These scenes--640 in all--are composed from more than 10,000 of the author's images showing birds in a wide range of views--near and far, from different angles, in various plumages and behaviors, including flight, and in the habitat in which they live. These beautiful compositions show how a bird's appearance changes with distance, and give equal emphasis to characteristics experts use to identify birds: size, structure and shape, behavior, probability, and color. This is the first book to convey all of these features visually--in a single image--and to reinforce them with accurate, concise text. Each scene provides a wealth of detailed visual information that invites and rewards careful study, but the most important identification features can be grasped instantly by anyone. By making identification easier, more accurate, and more fun than ever before,The Crossley ID Guidewill completely redefine how its users look at birds. Essential for all birders, it also promises to make new birders of many people who have despaired of using traditional guides. Revolutionary. This book changes field guide design to make you a better birderA picture says a thousand words. The most comprehensive guide: 640 stunning scenes created from 10,000 of the author's photographsReality birding. Lifelike in-focus scenes show birds in their habitats, from near and far, and in all plumages and behaviorsTeaching and reference. The first book to accurately portray all the key identification characteristics: size, shape, behavior, probability, and colorPractice makes perfect. An interactive learning experience to sharpen and test field identification skillsBird like the experts. The first book to simplify birding and help you understand how to bird like the bestAn interactive website--www.crossleybirds.com--includes expanded captions for the plates and species updates