Significant changes at Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai
07-07-2019
Lithuanian ornithological society has already implemented practical management works on Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai. The ongoing project will ensure good habitats condition in a long-term perspective. It must be admitted, that already this year significant increase of population and birds’ composition was observed. During the monitoring, which was done at the beginning of June, an impressive number of nests was counted – 48 nests of Common terns and 24 nests of Little terns. Some clutches of Common terns were about hatching. For the first time 50 nests of the Black-headed gulls were found and they share the area with Common terns. Little terns settled down the sandy beach in a distance. In addition to the target species, 3 nests of Little ringed plovers and 5 nests of Northern lapwings were discovered. During the previous visit the chicks of Northern lapwings from other clutches were already observed.
Common terns. Photo by Eugenijus Drobelis
Black-headed gull with chick. Photo by Eugenijus Drobelis
The second monitoring of Common and Little terns was performed at the end of June. The island was occupied with a young generation – some chicks had already their first flight, some are still under the supervision of parents. Youngsters of Northern lapwings, Common redshanks, most of Little ringed plovers, Common sandpipers have allreafy flown, including early chicks of Common terns. However, most of the Common terns and Black-headed gulls were still taking care about their juveniles. During this visit 9 new nests of Little terns and 11 nests of Common terns (including 5 which were laid down repeatedly) were counted. The warning signs were observed – the water level of Nemunas river is very low and it makes islands easily accessible for predators. We hope on a successful breeding season.
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Little Tern. Photo by Eugenijus Drobelis
Common Sandpiper. Photo by Eugenijus Drobelis
During the visit the following bird species were observed: Western Yellow Wagtail, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Common Merganser, Eurasian Teal, Mallard, Mute Swan, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Common Nightingale, Bluethroat, Sedge Warbler, Marsh Warbler.
Western Yellow Wagtail. Photo by Eugenijus Drobelis
