Branta Issues > Issue №15 (2012)

Migration of waders from the genus Calidris and Limicola in Western Ukraine

Y. M. Strus

IvanFrankoNationalUniversity of Lviv. Peculiarities of migration of waders from the genus Calidris and Limicola were studied in the Cholgyni Ornithological Reserve (Western Ukraine) over the period 1995-2012. During this period, we performed absolute counts and catching of waders. In captured birds biometrical parameters were measured according to standard methods. Also estimations of the fat reserves and moult stage were made. During the study period 7 species of sandpipers were revealed. Among them 4 species were common migrants: Calidris minuta, C. ferruginea, C. alpina, C. temminckii; 2 species were rare on passage: C. alba and Limocola falcinellus; one species was vagrant – C. canutus. Spring passage of all species, except of C. alpina, in the Cholgyni Reserve and in the whole Western Ukraine was very weak (single observations or low numbers). During autumn migration the passage of all above-mentioned species occurs. Mean passage date of C. minuta, C. ferruginea and C. alpina falls on 10.09, 1.09 and 24.09 accordingly. In sandpipers main autumn passage of adults occurred earlier than that of juveniles. Mass gain rates, fat loads and potential flight ranges were somewhat bigger than in other species of waders. Duration of stay on the contrary was shorter. This, in our opinion, proves that sandpipers choose S-strategy of migration.