Dombrowski A., Górski A., Sosnowski J., Chmielewski S. 1998. Roller (Coracias garrulus) in Mazowiecka Lowland. Kulon 3: 3-16. 

Andrzej Dombrowski, Świerkowa 18, PL-08-110 Siedlce, adomb@tlen.pl 

Abstract. This work refers to the problem of the occurrence of Roller in Mazowiecka Lowland in the period of 1957-1996. Insufficient data coming from the initial period do not allow assessing the numbers of breeding population. It’s only the questionnaire method which has enabled to summon up the information for Pilicka Forest (645 km²) about 119 pairs (15 pairs/100 km²) - after the verification of the questionnaire results, there have been confirmed 64 positions (8.1 pairs/100 km²) in the examined field. It has been estimated that during the seventies the breeding population of the Roller through Mazowiecka Lowland (middle-east Poland) accounted to about 350-500 pairs. A more complete inventory of the Roller was carried out at Mazowiecka Lowland during 2 terms: 1985-1988 and on 1995. In the second half of the eighties the quantity of the Roller dropped rapidly up to about 164-200 pairs and on 1985 it equals about 87-97 pairs. The decrease of the quantity and diminution of acreage was following from the west to the east. The Roller disappeared from the agricultural landscape (the mosaic of arable lands, afforestation and small meadows). Next the Roller deserted vallies of great rivers with numeral basis (Vistula, Bug, Pilica, Narew). It has survived in 4 areas where it has been nesting in small rivers` vallies surrounded by wide complexes of dry forest. These areas are of extensive agricultural economy. In 1995 the biggest population was the one settled in Kurpiowska Forest (61-68 pairs), the second position took the population settled in Biała Forest (8-12 pairs), Pilicka Forest (5 pairs). In 1995 about 50-60% of Polish population of this species, estimated at about 160-200 pairs.

Pugacewicz E. 1998. Status of the Roller (Coracias garrulus) population in the Północnopodlaska Lowland in 1960-1996. Kulon 3: 17-34. 

Eugeniusz Pugacewicz, Botaniczna 3, PL-17-200 Hajnówka

Abstract. This paper presents the distribution, some aspects of ecology, and migrations of the Roller in the Północnopodlaska Lowland (16 370 km²) located in NE Poland. Data cover the period of 1960-1996 and include earlier published data, own material, and unpublished ornithological observations by others. During that period the breeding range of the Roller steadily shrank in the studied region. Totally, Rollers occurred in 19% of the regional atlas quadrates. In 1991-1996, Rollers were recorded in 7% of the quadrates, only, and in 1996 in a mere of 4% of quadrates. In 1996, breeding territories of Rollers were distributed over 290 km². In 1960-1996, totally 224 spatially different sites were recorded, in which breeding of the Roller was ascertained, highly probable, or possible. However, during that period, number of Rollers declined fairly quickly. In 1960-1983, the breeding population was estimated to be 250-500 pairs, in 1984-1990 it was 100-250 pairs, and in 1991-1996 a more of 50-80 pairs. A detailed inventory done in 1996 revealed 48-53 breeding territories of the Roller. Thus, during the whole study period, the number of Rollers declined about tenfold. Nests of Rollers were placed nearly exclusively in tree cavities and holes, usually in willows (49%) and pines (26%, n = 73). Rollers often occupied holes made by the Green Woodpecker (47%) and the Black Woodpecker (34%, n = 64). The openings of holes were places at the height of 2.3-18.0 m (mean 6.8m, n = 58). They had various exposures, but usually were exposed towards N or NW (35%) and S or SE (28%, n = 46). The mean distance between nests of different pairs (not separated by patches of unsuitable habitats) was 1570 m (180-4950 m, n = 41). Nests were located 0-1800m from human settlements (mean 340 m, n = 62). One of nests was only 15m away from the front of a house. Rollers begin to breed from half May till the late June. Most clutches (74%) were laid in the late May and early June (n = 42). In 1983-1996, breeding success was 45.5-61.5%. An average breeding pair reared 0.7-1 fledglings. Successful pairs reared only 1.4-1.6 juveniles. Such low breeding indices are typical of severely regressing populations. In spring, Rollers appeared in the North-Podlasie region between 1 and 14 May (on average – 8 V, n = 11). Migrations were not conspicuous. The largest migrating flock (of 15 birds) was observed on August 14, 1985. The latest autumn observation of the Rollers was October 1, 1995.

Piotrowska M., Marczakowski P. 1998. The Roller population distribution in the Lubelszczyzna until 1997. Kulon 3: 35-46. 

Małgorzata Piotrowska, Tatarakowa 8/60, PL-20-541 Lublin

Abstract. The following paper contains information concerning the distribution of the Roller in the Lubelszczyzna (22 000 km²); meaning the area limited by the Krzna and Wieprz rivers from the North, and the San, the Tanwia, and the Wirowa rivers in the South. Materials from the Lubelszczyzna Avifauna Atlas and the Polish Ornithologist Atlas - both published and unpublished - have also been used. Until 1983 the Roller was recorded only in 6.6% atlasic fields (this reflecting ornithologists`activity rather than the true distribution of the Roller in this period), but on the basis of oral information and interviews in the region we may assume that this species was present in at least 23% of atlasic fields, in at least 150-200 positions). In 1984-1990 the Roller was noticed in 16.4% of fields (which seems to correspond to the species` distribution) - the number estimated to be about 60 positions. In the following years the numbers of the species fell sharply, and, despite the penetration of the region similar to the previous one, the Roller has been noticed only in 9.8% fields, in about 30 positions. In the last two years it was only a few positions, located in Polesie Podlaskie and the Biłgorajska Plain. In the Lubelszczyzna the Roller was noted mainly in the North (the southern borders of Polesie Podlaskie and Południowopodlaska Lowland), and in the South (the Biłgorajska Plain and Roztocze Środkowe). The species avoided the area in the middle of the Lubelszczyzna, with its fertile soil and forest or meadows (the Lubelska Highlands, Polesie Wołyńskie, the Zachodniowołyńska Highlands and Pobuża Hollow). The areas inhabited by this species were characterised by a variety of landscape, a high percentage of pastures, meadows, waste land, forest, and infertile, sandy soils. Rollers inhabited both tree covers (pine mainly), their edges, little forest and thickets in the fields, but also individual trees located near buildings. Nest were built in tree hollows (mainly in pines), but also in artificial shelters. Detailed research concerning the distribution and the protection of the species has been carried out in Roztocze Środkowe only, where the number of the species fell sharply after 1991. In other regions (e.g. Pojezierze Łęczyńsko-Włodawskie, Pradolina Wieprza), the Roller was a rarity already at the beginning of the 1980s. Within the last seven years the Roller’s nesting was noted only in 10 positions. Nowadays the Roller is among the rarest species in the region, and is now on the verge of extinction - only a few pairs may nest.

Wójcik J. D. 1998. The occurrence of the Roller (Coracias garrulus) in Małopolska. Kulon 3: 47-55. 

Joanna Dorota Wójcik, os. Kazimierzowskie 18/156, PL-31-841 Kraków

Abstract. An analysis of the number and location of the Roller in Małopolska in 19^th and 20^th century was held, with the help of the data contained in the Małopolska Ornithologist Society files. At the turn of 19^th and 20^th century the Roller was a numerous hatching species, residing even at the mountain foot. The main areas inhabited by the species were the western and central parts of the Małopolska Highlands, and the Eastern Podkarpacie. After World War II a gradual fall in the species`number took place, first in western, and then in the central part of the region. Until the end of the 1990s hatching positions were preserved only in eastern part of Podkarpacie, and in the Opoczyńskie Hills. In 1984-1990 the number of the species was estimated to be between 50 and 80 pairs, in 1991-1997 - only between 20 and 40 pairs.

Dmoch A., Dombrowski A. 1998. The Roller (Coracias garrulus) in the Biała Forest. Kulon 3: 57-66. 

Adam Dmoch, Łomżyńska 22/3, Lubiejewo, PL-07-300 Ostrów Mazowiecka

Abstract. Between 1987 and 1990, in 1995 and in 1997 there was a research carried out concerning the disposition and the number of hatching individuals in the Roller population, and the ecology and biology of their procreation. In three subsequent periods of study the number of Rollers plummeted: 30-35, 8-12, and six pairs. Disappearing of their positions moved from West to East. In 1997 only four pairs were sure to nest. In the nearest future the Roller will probably stop nesting in the Biała Forest. Almost all pairs nested in little thickets in the meadows in the valleys of small rivers, crossing large parts of forests. The Roller did not nest in the forest proper. It often fed on the forest edges. In the nearest surroundings of their hollows arable soils (46.3%), meadows, and pasture (35.5%) were predominant. Rollers occupied hollows left over by Green Woodpecker only. In two cases nesting in artificial shelters was recorded, in one case nesting took place in a natural hollow (one that had not been scooped out by the woodpecker). 68% of Rollers`hollows were located in willows, 27% - in alders. The hollows were placed at the height of 5.8 m on average (varied between 1.7 to 10 m). Inlet openings were often directed towards the South (39%). Most of the hollows (40.9%) were located within 50 m from the nearest buildings. In July flocks of non-nesting (or after hatching loss) Rollers was observed, their number up to 12 adult individuals. The earliest spring observation was held on 4^th May 1988, the earliest bird to hatch was noted on 26^th May 1990; and the earliest observation of a flap under its hollow was recorded on 11^th July 1989. The latest observation of young in its hole took place on 29^th July 1995. The latest observation of the Roller was held in Biała Forest on 23^rd September 1990.

Rębiś M. 1998. Changes in the number, location, and the elements of the biology of reproduction of the Roller (Coracias garrulus) in the Kozienicka Forest. Kulon 3: 67-73. 

Maciej Rębiś, Warszawska 32a/18, PL-26-900 Kozienice

Abstract. The following paper contains the information concerning the occurrence of the Rollers in the area of the Kozienicka Forest (SE Poland, 119 thousand ha of surface in 1978-1997). The basis for estimates of changes in number of species consisted of: 1) unpublished materials from the Radom & Kielce Nature Society files; and 2) the results of the questionnaire conducted among foresters. In 1978-1984 hatching of 14 Roller pairs has been noted. However, these numbers seem to be underestimated, and other estimates suggest that 20 to 25 pairs nested in the region. In 1985-1994, 11 positions were found, and in 1995-1997 only 4-5 pairs nested in the Forest. In the Kozienicka Forest pine forest the Roller resided in hollows left after the Black Woodpecker (n = 4), and in the countryside in hollows left after the Green Woodpecker (n = 6). A pair of Roller hatching the young in the same hollow in three subsequent years has also been observed. In one case a non-hatching individual helped in feeding. Roller’s food consisted mainly of the Orthoptera and the Coleoptera. After the rain the Roller bringing worms to their young has been observed. The latest case of the Roller observation took place on 6^th October 1996 (a young bird).

Rowiński P., Nowakowski J. K., Kowalski M. 1998. Breeding bird’s community of the king Jan III Sobieski Natural reserve in Warsaw. Kulon 3: 75-87. 

Patryk Rowiński, Katedra Zoologii Leśnej i Łowiectwa SGGW, Rakowiecka 26/30, PL-02-528 Warszawa

Abstract. In 1995 a research has been carried out concerning the number of hatching avifauna in the Jan III Sobieski Natural Reserve in Warsaw. A combined variation of the cartographic method was applied for that purpose. The works took place in two adjoining trial surfaces simultaneously, the total surface measuring 55 ha. The dominant forest environmental consisted mainly of the Tilio-Carpinetum and Potentillo albae-Quercetum, between 50 and 150 years old. 39 species of hatching birds have found there, their total density being 99.6 pairs per 10 ha. The dominant group consisted of: Starling, Chaffinch, Pied Flycatcher, Great Tit, Robin and Wood Warbler. Among the ecological groups birds of hollow were the most numerous (56%). The comparison of the surface examined with other surfaces of old trees in Poland proves that they are similar in many respects.

Fijewski Z. 1998. Birds of the Tarnowski City Park in Końskie. Kulon 3: 89-93. 

Zbigniew Fijewski, Brzozowa 1a/36, PL-26-200 Końskie, zbigfi@wp.pl  

Abstract. In 1995 a research has been carried out concerning the number of hatching avifauna in the city park in Końskie, 24 ha of surface. A combined variation of the cartographic method was applied for that purpose. 10 basic and 5 supplementary controls have been held on the surface, aimed mainly at nests finding. The historical park consist of the palace part with lawns, hedges, clumps of decorative deciduous trees, and a fountain, the rest of the park being cultivated in the English style. Forest of old trees can be found there, most trees being up to 200 years old, without the undergrowth. In the park area 39 species of trees have been found, 32 of which suitable for nesting. A striking similarity between the park in Końskie and the Kielce park has been observed (QS = 80%).

Błoński W. 1998. The nesting of the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) in Starachowice. Kulon 3: 95-96. 

Waldemar Błoński, Majówka 14/9, PL-27-200 Starachowice

Abstract. On 1^st July at a barrage on the Kamienna River near Starachowice I found a colony of five Whiskered Tern nests with the young. The nests were located on the leaves of the Nuphar luteum. In the middle of July the colony was destroyed due to high tide in the reservoir after a downpour. Accepted by the Avifaunistic Commission.

Sułek J. 1998. The first observation of the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) in the area of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Kulon 3: 96. 

Jarosław Sułek, Łąkowa 8, PL-25-724 Kielce

Abstract. On 24^th March 1998 an observation of the Canada Goose in the valley of the Nida (SE Poland) was being held. It was the first observation of this species in the area of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.

Polak M. 1998. The first statement of the Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) in the area Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Kulon 3: 97. 

Marcin Polak, Krasickiego 24/33, PL-25-758 Kielce

Abstract. On 8-9 November 1997 at a barrage "Chańcza" (SE Poland) was observed Kittiwake in the juvenile plumage. Accepted by the Avifaunistic Commission.

Wilniewczyc P. 1998. The first statement of the Great Black-Headed Gull (Larus ichthyaetus) in the area Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Kulon 3: 97-98. 

Piotr Wilniewczyc, Paderewskiego 15/3, PL-25-017 Kielce, pwi43@wp.pl 

Abstract. On the 4^th April 1995 on the fisher pond near Maleszewa was observed the Great Black-Headed Gull in the juvenil plumage. Accepted by the Avifaunistic Commission.

Maniarski R. 1998. The observations of the Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) in the area of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Kulon 3: 98-99. 

Roman Maniarski, Pawłowice 3, PL-28-411 Michałów, rmann@wp.pl 

On 29^th March 1992 near Michałów (SE Poland) was observed the male of the Pine Grosbeak. Accepted by the Avifaunistic Commission.

Kaliszewski I. 1998. The winter observation of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) near Płock. Kulon 3: 99-100. 

Ireneusz Kaliszewski, Kochanowskiego 23/32, PL-09-402 Płock

Abstract. On 17^th January 1997 at a barrage Włocławski Reservoir on the river Vistula near Płock (middle Poland) was observed Osprey. The bird was fed near hole in ice. The barrage was covered by ice in 90%. It was the first observation of the species in January in Poland.

Lesiński G., Blicharski M., Sielecki M. 1998. The locality of the Northern Birch Mouse (Sicista betulina) near Warsaw. Kulon 3: 101-102. 

Grzegorz Lesiński, Zakład Ekologii Kręgowców, PAN, PL-05-092 Łomianki

Abstract. The analysis of the tawny owl pellets collected on 6 Aug. 1997 showed the presence of the Northern Birch Mouse 5 km east of the administrative border of Warsaw. We found 4 individuals of this species among 31 individuals of vertebrates found in pellets. The study area was covered by the mosaic of wet and dry forest with small high moors.

Kowalski M., Krasnodębski I., Sachanowicz K., Dróżdż R., Wojtowcz B. 1998. The occurrence of the Plecotus austiacus in the Kozienicka Forest. Kulon 3: 102-103.

Marek Kowalski, Wyszogrodzka 5/82, PL-03-337 Warszawa

Abstract. Plecotus austiacus was observed in the winter the Kozienicka Wilderness in four cellars, the number of individuals being similar to that of the P. auritus, and in the same fort. In the summer time three individuals have been caught.

Osojca G. 1998. The interesting observation Butterfly (Lasiommata achine Scopoli, 1763 – Lepidoptera: Satyridae). Kulon 3: 105. 

Grzegorz Osojca, Wola Solecka I nr 167, PL-27-300 Lipsko

Abstract. In July 1995 in the forest near Lipsk (UTM EB 56) was observed Lasiommata achine.

Piwko P. 1998. Pedostrangalia pubescens (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) – new species for Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Kulon 3: 106. 

Paweł Piwko, Kruszcowa 3/21, PL-25-705 Kielce

Abstract. 24 VII 1997 in the vicinity of Zagnańsk (Świętokrzyskie Mountains - SE Poland) 1 specimen of Pedostrangalia pubescens (Fabricius) was found. It is the first locality of this species in this region.

Keller M., Rowiński P., Nowakowski J. 1998. The action "Vistula" – students camp when were established ring in birds. Kulon 3: 118-122. 

Marek Keller, Katedra Zoologii Leśnej i Łowiectwa SGGW, Rakowiecka 26/30, PL-02-528 Warszawa

Abstract. In the 1997 in Brzumin were caught 1685 birds (60 species). The most popular were: Robin, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. On this camp were examined orientation directional of 637 birds (first of all was examined Robin).