Żóralski R. 2022. HOVERFLIES (DIPTERA: SYRPHIDAE) OF MŁAWA HILLS AND LUBAWA HUMMOCK (CENTRAL-NORTH POLAND). Kulon 27: 1-13.

Norwida 9, PL-84-240 Reda, Sekcja Dipterologiczna Polskiego Towarzystwa Entomologicznego, e-mail: robert@insects.pl

Abstract. During entomological studies conducted in the postglacial uplands of central-north Poland in 2006-2022, 151 Syrphidae species were found. The field research was carried out mostly in the habitats along the river valleys and around glacial lakes. Seven species listed on the “Red list of threatened animals in Poland” were found: Epistrophe ochrostoma (Zetterstedt, 1849), Parasyrphus nigritarsis (Zetterstedt, 1843), Brachypalpus valgus (Panzer, 1798), Myolepta dubia (Fabricius, 1805), Sericomyia silentis (Harris, 1776), Temnostoma vespiforme (Linnaeus, 1758), Orthonevra geniculata (Meigen, 1830), as well as other rare species: Ferdinandea ruficornis (Fabricius, 1775), Orthonevra elegans (Meigen, 1822), O. erythrogona (Malm, 1863), Pipizella annulata (Macquart, 1829), Sphiximorpha subsessilis (Illiger in Rossi, 1807) and Temnostoma apiforme (Fabricius, 1794). The microhabitat of B. valgus was documented.

Ołdak A. K., Jastrzębsk P. 2022. SOME ASPECTS OF ECOLOGY AND MORPHOLOGY OF THE EUROPEAN MANTIS MANTIS RELIGIOSA (LINNAEUS, 1758) NEAR AUGUSTÓW (PIONKI COMMUNE, EAST -CENTRAL POLAND). Kulon 27: 15-34.

Ziemowita 14, PL-05-300 Mińsk Mazowiecki

Abstract. The aim of this study was to learn on some aspects of biology of Mantis religiosa from the vicinity of Augustów in the Pionki commune, including abundance and density of this species, body length of adult individuals, abundance of adults of the brown form, length of oothecae, and presence of damage on oothecae. Adults were marked on the pronotum with a permanent marker. A total of 3 larvae, 25 adults, and 85 oothecae were recorded. Brown individuals constituted 16% of all observed adults. The length of adults and oothecae were within the ranges reported in the literature. The estimated density of adults was approximately 3.19 individuals/ha, whereas the densities of oothecae at the two study sites were 43 oothecae/ha and 47 oothecae/ha, respectively. Considering the literature data, these densities were very low. A relatively high percentage (32%) of oothecae damaged both by natural enemies, e.g., ants of the genus Formica, and due to human activities was documented. These damages certainly affect the population parameters in question. Among the damaged oothecae, 50% had extensive damage.

Miłkowski M., Chmielewski Sł., Tabor J., Łukaszewicz M. 2022. OCCURRENCE OF PROTECTED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES OF BUTTERFLIES (LEPIDOPTERA, LYCAENIDAE): LYCAENA DISPAR, L. HELLE, PHENGARIS TELEIUS AND PH. NAUSITHOUS IN RADOM REGION. Kulon 27: 35-65.

Marek Miłkowski, ul. Królowej Jadwigi 19 m. 21, PL-26-600 Radom, e-mail: milkowski63@wp.pl
Sławomir Chmielewski, e-mail: sch6@wp.pl
Jacek Tabor, e-mail: jacektabor@poczta.onet.pl
Marcin Łukaszewicz, e-mail: lukaszewicz-m@wp.pl

Abstract. The study presents data on the occurrence of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): the large copper Lycaena dispar (Haworth, 1802), violet copper L. helle (Denis et Schiffermüller, 1775), scarce large blue Phengaris teleius (Bergsträsser, 1779), and the dusky large blue Ph. nausithous (Bergsträsser, 1779). The sites where these species occurred were between the Pilica and Vistula rivers in the Mazovian Voivodeship. The survey was conducted during 2007-2022. The data were collected in 51 UTM squares (10 x 10 km). The most common species was the large copper recorded at 183 sites in 41 UTM squares. The violet copper occurred at 32 sites (16 UTM squares), the scarce large blue at 76 sites (35 UTM squares), and the dusky large blue at 18 sites (10 UTM squares). The large copper observed at many sites seems to be an unendangered taxon from the perspective of the next years. Other species, due to their complicated development and high habitat requirements, become increasingly endangered. In the study area, a continuous decrease in the valuable meadow communities and habitat fragmentation were observed. The most endangered were suburban habitats, where valuable natural habitats were used for residential building, as well as meadows and wetlands.

Dombrowski A, Stolarz P. 2022. CHANGES IN BREEDING AVIFAUNA OF FISH PONDS IN KOTUŃ (SOUTH PODLASIE LOWLAND). Kulon 27: 67-87.

Andrzej Dombrowski, ul. Świerkowa 18, PL-08-110 Siedlce, e-mail: adomb@wp.pl
Przemysław Stolarz, Centrum Ekologii Człowieka, ul. Kościuszki 24, PL-05-075 Warszawa

Abstract. In 2022, 10 counts of breeding avifauna of fish ponds in Kotuń (298 ha) (52°10'31.1''N, 22°05'57.0''E) were conducted using the combined cartographic method. Breeding of 71 species was documented and the total number of pairs was 546 (18.3 p/10 ha). The most abundant werethe Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (1.9 p/10 ha: entire fish pond area and 8.1 p/10 ha: only reedbeds), Common Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (1.7 p/10 ha: entire fish pond area and 12.1 p/10 ha: only reedbeds), and the Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus (1.4 p/10 ha: entire fish pond area and 9.8 p/10 ha: only reedbeds). The percentage of reedbed species was the highest and accounted for 42.9% of the entire bird community, and the next most abundant morphological and ecological group were forest-woodland species – 41.8%, and swimming birds – 13.4%. Among trophic groups, the most abundant were insectivorous species constituting 76% of the entire bird community. During the period between 1988 and 2022 – 22 species declined, and this number also included 14 species that stopped breeding in the surveyed area. The increase in the number was documented in 14 species, including 7 species that were new and not breeding before in this area, i.e., the Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, Greylag Goose Anser anser, Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Common Crane Grus grus, Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus, and the Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis. The changes in bird species abundance and their causes for most wetland species during 1988-2022 were similar to those documented on fish ponds of the central part of the South Podlasie Lowland.

Matyjasiak Ł., Jedlikowski J., Mateuszczyk H. 2022. USING NECK COLLARS AS A MARKING METHOD OF THE EURASIAN COOT FULICA ATRA IN WARSAW IN 2011-2021 – EXPERIENCE, CONCLUSIONS, AND APPLICABILITY OF THIS TYPE OF TAG. Kulon 27: 89-98.

Łukasz Matyjasiak, ul. Willowa 17, PL-05-520 Konstancin-Jeziorna; e-mail: lukaszm@legionista.com
Jan Jedlikowski, Wydział Biologii, Centrum Nauk Biologiczno-Chemicznych UW, Żwirki i Wigury 101, PL-02-089 Warszawa; e-mail: janjedlikowski@biol.uw.edu.pl
Hubert Mateuszczyk, ul. Krokusa 8, PL-05-092 Łomianki, e-mail: h.mateuszczyk@gmail.com

Abstract. Neck collars as tags are mostly used in species representing Anseriformes (swans, geese) and are a quite common research technique. Coots Fulica spp. are the only non-Anseriformes species, in which this type of marking is applied. During 2011-2021 a project based on colour marking of coots with neck collars was carried out within the administrative boundaries of the Capital City of Warsaw. The aim of this project was to determine wintering and breeding sites of birds staying in the urbanised areas of Warsaw (parks, squares, ponds, clay pits) and the age and sex structure of the species communities in urban habitats. The present study aimed to assess the applicability of this type of the Coot marking in the studies on some aspects of biology and ecology of the species when compared to the standard marking only with metal leg-rings. Moreover, we shared our experience with the use of neck collar as the tag dedicated to this species and structured knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of research method in urban conditions. Out of 131 coots marked with neck collars until the end of 2021, we got at least one recovery of 124 individuals, i.e., 95% of collared birds. While out of 218 individuals marked only with metal leg-rings, we received at least one recovery of 145 individuals, i.e., 67% of birds marked with this kind of tag. Marking of coots with neck collars despite the advantages given above also involves a certain risk. One of the most important drawbacks is their shorter durability than metal rings. Among birds marked with neck collars in Warsaw during 2011-2021, 14 individuals had lost their collars which accounts for 12% of collared and recovered coots.

Lesiński G. 2022. SMALL MAMMALS IN THE DIET OF THE BARN OWL TYTO ALBA IN NORTHERN MAZOVIA. Kulon 27: 99-109.

Instytut Nauk o Zwierzętach, Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, PL-02-786 Warszawa, e-mail: grzegorz_lesinski@sggw.edu.pl

Abstract. Based on the analysis of the Barn Owl’s Tyto alba diet the occurrence of small mammals in northern Mazovia was documented. The study was conducted at 18 sites during 1984-1999 and 2004-2017. In total, collected material contained 6,577 prey items representing: soricomorphs Soricomorpha (5 species), bats Chiroptera (4 species), and rodents Rodentia (12 species). The most frequent prey species were: Common Shrew Sorex araneus, Common Vole Microtus arvalis, and House Mouse Mus musculus. They were found at 18, 16, and 16 sites, respectively. The Bicoloured White-toothed Shrew Crocidura leucodon (one locality close to the range limit) was a rarely noted soricomorph, while the Field Vole Microtus agrestis (1 locality) and Water Vole Arvicola amphibius (2 localities) were rare rodents. Bats were seldom captured by owls (16 individuals, 0.2% of all mammals on average). Among them, the most numerous was the Serotine Bat Eptesicus serotinus. At one site surveyed in 1992 and 2009, the differences in the abundance of each prey species were small, still relatively distinct in the Common Vole and Water Shrew Neomys fodiens.

Szymkiewicz M., Szymkiewicz E. 2022. A RECORD OF MECONEMA MERIDIONALE COSTA, 1860 (ORTHOPTERA, TETTIGONIIDAE) IN THE MASURIAN LAKE DISTRICT. Kulon 27: 111-114.

Muzeum Przyrody w Olsztynie (Oddział Muzeum Warmii i Mazur), ul. Metalowa 8, PL-10-603 Olsztyn, e-mail: marian.szymkiewicz@wp.p

Abstract. A male of Meconema meridionale (Costa, 1860) was observed near Czaple (53.8899847 N, 22.4287600 E; UTM EE97) on 7 August 2021 (Photo). The circumstances of observation indicate that the insect probably arrived from Olsztyn. It is the second record of this species in the Masurian Lake District and the north-easternmost in Poland.

Dzierżanowski T. 2022. BREEDING AVIFAUNA OF THE GAĆ RIVER IN 2018-2019. Kulon 27: 115-121.

e-mail: dzierzanowski@protonmail.com 

Pepłowska-Marczak D. 2022. PLASTIC MATERIALS IN THE PELLET OF THE TAWNY OWL STRIX ALUCO COLLECTED IN THE KAMPINOS FOREST. Kulon 27: 121-124.

Wyższa Szkoła Ekologii i Zarządzania w Warszawie, ul. Olszewska 12, PL-00-792 Warszawa, e-mail: sowa.ruda@gmail.com

Abstract. When examining the contents of pellets of the Tawny Owl Strix aluco collected on the edges of the Kampinos Forest (52°1'22''N, 20°36'6''E) in July 2021, we found plastic materials: one rubber wheel and three glass beads covered with some traces of paint; the diameter of these items was from 3 to 5 mm. The remnants of insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals were found in all pellets collected at the study site. The site where pellets were collected, including the one containing plastic materials, was in the forest near a frequented tourist trail, by which the nesting hole occupied by the Tawny Owl was located. To the best of our knowledge, there are no publisheddata on plastic materials in pellets of the Tawny Owl.

Rejmer M., Matyjasiak Ł. 2022. URBAN BREEDING SITE OF THE COMMON GOLDENEYE BUCEPHALA CLANGULA IN MAZOVIA. Kulon 27: 125-127.

Marcin Rejmer, ul. Blatona 3/48, PL-01-494 Warszawa. e-mail: mrejmer@gazeta.pl
Łukasz Matyjasiak, ul. Willowa 17, PL-05-520 Konstancin-Jeziorna; e-mail: lukaszm@legionista.com

Abstract. n 2017-2022 breeding goldeneyes (1-4 females with pull.) were recorded in Konstancin-Jeziorna every year. Birds were observed on the Jeziorka River on the section adjacent to the city park and wetland area, surrounded by the buildings. Despite the high human pressure, the urban population of the Common Goldeneye in this area is stable and shows that this species is capable of inhabiting urban areas.

Żurawlew P., Markiewicz E. 2022. THE DEATH OF THE LONG-EARED OWL ASIO OTUS ENTANGLED IN PLASTIC STRING IN WIELKOPOLSKA. Kulon 27: 127-130.

Przemysław Żurawlew, Projekt Orthoptera Polski, Żbiki 45, PL-63-304 Czermin, e-mail: grusleon@gmail.com
Eugeniusz Markiewicz, Piła 18, PL-63-313 Chocz, e-mail: emar52@op.pl

Abstract. On 12 June 2022, a dead Long-eared Owl Asio otus hanging from the old nest of the Hooded Crow Corvus cornix on a pine Pinus sylvestris was found in a mixed fresh forest in Łęg (Czermin municipality, Pleszew county). The nest was in the crown of a tree at a height of about 12 m, and at 18 m from the edge of the forest. When observed with binoculars it appeared that it was a fully-grown chick (with some down) hanging head down with its legs entangled in a plastic string from the nest (Photo). No plumage losses or traces of predation were noticed, so probablythe chick died due to entanglement in strings and starvation death.

Rapczyński J., Naber M. 2022. A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE FIELD ORNITHOLOGICAL STATION “OBÓZ WISŁA” IN THE MIDDLE VISTULA VALLEY IN 2021. Kulon 27: 131-141.

Jan Rapczyński, Koło Naukowe Leśników, Sekcja Ornitologiczna, Szkoła Główna
Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, ul. Nowoursynowska 166, PL-02-787 Warszawa
Magdalena Naber, Koło Naukowe Leśników, Sekcja Ornitologiczna, Szkoła Główna
Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, ul. Nowoursynowska 166, PL-02-787 Warszawa

Abstract. From 10 April to 24 October 2021, the fieldwork on Rembezy Island (51°58'N, 21°15'E) was carried out by the members of the Ornithological Section of the Foresters Scientific Club. The work of the Field Ornithological Station “Obóz Wisła” lasted for 197 days and focused on spring and autumn bird migration, as well as species breeding in the vicinity, particularly Charadriiformes, along with their active protection against human pressure. In total, 4171 passerines, including themost numerous European Robin Erithacus rubecula, were captured in approximately 200 m of mist nets located in the bushes. 467 birds representing Charadriiformes were captured with 10 funnel traps (so-called “wacki”), and the most numerous was the Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. Three individuals with foreign rings were controlled at our station. Over a year since the end of the fieldwork, 9 recoveries of birds ringed in 2021 have been reported. The conservation of the Little Tern Sternula albifrons, Common Tern Sterna hirundo, Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Little Ringed Plover Ch. dubius, and the Common Gull Larus canus included many interventions conducted in the breeding colony, sometimes several times a day.