Sedge Warbler Research Articles

Reedbed structure and habitat preference of reed passerines during the post-breeding period

Post-breeding habitats of nine passerine species were studied in the permanently flooded reed beds of ponds near the village Puste Uľany (SW Slovakia) in 2002. Structural features of reed beds and the abundance of all birds studied were sampled at two sites and eight study plots. The reed bed structure and abundance of four passerines differed considerably between the individual study plots. The variations in vegetation structure were also caused by winter reed burning in the SE part of study area. Stems in burnt reed beds were smaller and thinner than unburnt. Abundance of the reed warbler and to a lesser extent sedge warbler was higher in tall reed beds, while the bearded tit preferred thick reed stems. Position of reed beds along the shore - open water gradient was an important factor in terms of abundance at the study plots in the case of the reed bunting. This species showed a strong preference for the reed bed edge with open water. Horizontal distribution of other species seems to be random, however, the birds with the exception of Savi's warbler preferred the upper stratum of reed bed in vertical distribution. Our field data corroborate with those found in experimental studies concerning with ecomorphological characteristics of birds. Some inconsistencies, however, could also be caused by other factors (e.g. foraging preferences). Comparison of breeding and post-breeding habitat requirements of the studied bird species confirmed a more or less random distribution of the majority of species in the post-breeding period. Some variation was found in the cases of only the reed warbler and bearded tit.

Adaptive settlement in sedge warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus—focus on the scale of individuals

Breeding site selection can be linked to population dynamics through pre-emptive site selection, by which an individual selects the best (in terms of fitness) available site, preventing others from sharing it. We examined the pattern of territorial settlement and its fitness consequences during a study of sedge warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus inhabiting two study plots in the Nida Wetlands (southern Poland). Throughout all 7 years of the study (1997–2003), male sedge warblers repeatedly occupied sites in sequence from best to worst, according to the amount of cover by reedmace and common reed on one plot, and the amount of common reed on the other plot. As individuals aged, they occupied sites with increasingly higher proportions of reedmace and common reed. On the first plot, where the within-habitat heterogeneity was greater, settlement date and consequently reedmace and common reed cover at the sites occupied by a male had a positive influence on that male’s fitness components: the probability of mating, nesting success, and the number of offspring recruited to the breeding population in succeeding years. On the second plot, which was more homogenous, there was no such evident relationship between fitness and the proportion of cover by reeds.

Eggshell strength of an obligate brood parasite: a test of the puncture resistance hypothesis

Eggs of several brood parasites have thicker and stronger shells than expected for their size. The present study evaluated the puncture resistance hypothesis for the occurrence of thick-shelled eggs in common cuckoos Cuculus canorus by investigating costs of cuckoo egg ejection in four Acrocephalus warblers—the great reed warbler A. arundinaceus, reed warbler A. scirpaceus, marsh warbler A. palustris and sedge warbler A. schoenobaenus. The three latter species all suffered ejection costs, while ejection was not costly in the larger great reed warbler. The occurrence of ejection costs was negatively related to host bill size. In the marsh warbler, we compared ejection costs in naturally parasitized nests and two experimental treatments, in which broods were parasitized artificially with great reed warbler and conspecific eggs. Hosts damaged their own eggs significantly more often when ejecting the thick-shelled cuckoo eggs than when ejecting the similarly sized but thinner-shelled great reed warbler eggs, providing some support for the puncture resistance hypothesis. Ejection of conspecific eggs did not involve any costs. Furthermore, contrary to predictions derived from the laying damage hypothesis, there was no evidence that egg damage was associated with cuckoo egg laying. Hosts damaging their own eggs during ejection were more likely to subsequently desert their clutches than those that did not. The frequency of clutches smeared with the contents of the ejected egg were positively related to the hypothesized difficulty of foreign egg puncturing. Potential advantages of thicker shells in common cuckoo eggs are discussed.

Spatial Behavior of Medium and Long‐Distance Migrants at Stopovers Studied by Radio Tracking

Spatial behavior and range of movements at daytime stopovers of three species of passerine nocturnal migrants (European robins, sedge warbler, and pied flycatchers) were studied by radio tracking. Both in spring and in fall, 94% of European robins remained within 350-400 m of their landing location (n = 51 and 65, respectively). Movements of robins became more area-restricted with more time spent at stopover. Sedge warblers never moved more than 335 m (n = 12). A reason for this could be their relatively narrow habitat use. However, four of seven pied flycatchers tracked covered at least several kilometers during their daytime movements. Pied flycatchers that moved longer distances also showed higher linearity of movements. Spatial behavior of three species of migrants was probably a result of a complex interaction between their habitat use, foraging habits, and weather conditions. No evidence is available that long-distance versus short-distance migratory habits are involved in shaping the spatial behavior of passerine migrants at stopovers.

The importance of temporal dynamics of edge effect in reedbed design: a 12-year study on five bird species

Although edge effect is a key topic of conservation biology, we have no data on the temporal dynamics of it. I investigated the distribution of five passerine bird species across reedbed (Phragmites australis) edges during large-scale construction work in the Kis-Balaton marshland, Hungary. The construction provided an “experimental” approach to study the effects of large timescale changes within a shorter period, because neither the locality nor the vegetation type changed. The water level was increased in the study area, which homogenised the internal structure of reedbed by declining the scattered small willow bushes (Salix) and the grass/sedge layer. The sedge (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) and reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) preferred edges. The sedge warbler, however, declined after inundation, while the reed warbler did not respond. Savi’s warbler (Locustella luscinioides) sharply declined during the study with changing edge effect. The number of great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) increased during the study, mainly in the reedbed interior, where the stands became patchy with open water. Reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) avoided interiors, and declined over the study. Therefore, there were significant changes in the distribution of reedbed birds across the edge, although the location of edges and the basic habitat, reedbed, did not change. The results highlight the need to incorporate edge effect as a dynamic process in wetland planning.

Habitat use by three Acrocephalus warblers in an intensively used farmland area: the influence of breeding patch and its surroundings

Habitat use by the sedge warbler Acrocepha- lus schoenobaenus, reed warbler A. scirpaceus and marsh warbler A. palustris was studied during 1998- 2000 in an intensively cultivated agricultural landscape in western Poland. The birds occupied mid-field marsh patches (0.05-9.84 ha) and drainage ditches. Using logistic regression models, habitat preferences for particular patch type, characteristics of breeding patch vegetation and surrounding crop type were investi- gated. All habitat measurements were done within 50- m radius circles around breeding territory centers. The most important factors that influenced species distri- butions were the proportions of particular habitats within patch area and the type of surrounding crops. Sedge and reed warblers preferred areas with a high proportion of reeds and meadows. Marsh warblers avoided emergents other than reeds, and favored herbaceous vegetation and bushes. Open water areas positively affected reed warbler distribution. Crop type had a significant influence on within-year territory distribution and changes in between-year occupation pattern. In general, birds preferred to settle near fields of oil seed rape, while root crops and spring cereals were avoided. Breeding patch type and structure of reedbeds had relatively little influence on the distri- bution of breeding territories. The results obtained show that the surrounding landscape may significantly influence habitat use of species breeding in habitat islands in farmland. Depending on their structure and food resources, crops might have different value to the birds.

Migratory state: body mass and fat level of some passerine long-distance migrants during autumn migration in north-eastern Bulgaria

Migratory state: body mass and fat level of some passerine long-distance migrants during autumn migration in north-eastern Bulgaria Body condition of 3224 migrating birds of Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Sedge Warbler (A. schoenobaenus), Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) and Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) was studied at Kalimok Station, NE Bulgaria (41°00'N 26°26'E) in the autumns of 1997-2003. The mean values of the fat level and the body mass were calculated for each species and year and were compared with similar data of various parts of the Palaearctic-African Migration System. Distinct variations in the mean values of studied parameters in different years were recorded. The dynamics of the accumulated subcutaneous fat and the body mass during the autumn varied in different species and either increase or decrease of the values during a certain season were registered. Age-determined differences in the studied characteristics were found. The timing of the passage of the first-year and adult birds can influence the dynamics of the mean fat level and the mean body mass. The lack of selective environment in NE Balkan Peninsula allows the passage of conspecific birds in various migratory states. The realisation of their migration adaptations highly depends on environmental conditions during the period of passage.

Breeding success of common cuckoosCuculus canorusparasitising four sympatric species ofAcrocephaluswarblers

We investigated the level of parasitism, egg mimicry and breeding success of cuckoos parasitising four sympatric species ofAcrocephaluswarblers in southern Moravia, Czech Republic. The parasitism rate was highest in the marsh warblerAcrocephalus palustris(44.8%) followed by great reed warblerA. arundinaceus(33.8%), sedge warblerA. schoenobaenus(26.5%) and reed warblerA. scirpaceus(11.6%). Although the cuckoo eggs showed a high level of mimicry the eggs of the marsh warbler this host species rejected 72% of the cuckoo eggs, resulting in a cuckoo breeding success of only 4.3%. Cuckoo eggs laid in great reed warbler and reed warbler nests showed a similar hatching success, but the cuckoo chicks survived better in great reed warbler nests, resulting in a breeding success of 30.4%, as compared to 16.4% in nests of the reed warbler. The relationship between the level of parasitism, host rejection of cuckoo eggs, cuckoo chick survival and breeding success is discussed for the four host species.

Low Incidence of Polygyny Revealed in a Long Term Study of the Sedge WarblerAcrocephalus schoenobaenusin Natural Wetlands of the S Poland

Abstract. In 1996–2002, 227 breeding attempts were studied in a colour-ringed Sedge Warbler population. Although 11% of males in this population resumed singing in order to mate with another female after their first females had laid eggs, only two polygynous males (i.e. 0.6%) were recorded. This is a very low value in comparison to other studies (ca. 7% on average). The low level of polygyny is attributable to the low food abundance in a natural floodplain, as the nestlings in this population were fed on predominantly small food items. Both polygynous males were recorded in 2002; this year was unusual, because flooding in early June (around the hatching date) destroyed most of the broods. This could have led to an influx of new females into the study area, a change in the operational sex ratio, and new mating opportunities for males.

Stopover ecology of migratory Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) at Eilat, Israel

Migrating Sedge Warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus were captured in Eilat, Israel, during their spring and autumn migration. Data on spring and autumn body masses, their interannual variation and the pattern of fuel accumulation were analysed. Body mass and body condition index significantly varied between the years of study in spring but not in autumn. This may be due to birds over-flying the area, but loop migration might also be involved. Sedge Warblers gain mass in Eilat, both in spring and in autumn. Birds in poor initial condition and those stopping over for a longer period gained more body mass faster. In spring, but not in autumn, the progress of the season was another important factor: late birds gained more body mass. The average rate of body mass gain was 0.179g day-1 ± SE = 0.026. This suggests that Eilat is an important staging area for Sedge Warblers in spring and to a smaller extent in autumn.

The application of a fuzzy‐rule‐based system in an exposition of the antecedents of sedge warbler song flight

Abstract: The utilization of a fuzzy aspect within data analysis attempts to move from a quantitative to a more qualitative investigative environment. As such, this may allow the more non‐quantitative researchers results they can use, based on sets of linguistic terms. In this paper an inductive fuzzy decision tree approach is utilized to construct a fuzzy‐rule‐based system for the first time in a biological setting. The specific biological problem considered attempts to identify the antecedents (conditions in the fuzzy decision rules) which characterize the length of song flight of the male sedge warbler when attempting to attract a mate. Hence, for a non‐quantitative investigator the resultant set of fuzzy rules allows an insight into the linguistic interpretation on the relationship between associated characteristics and the respective song flight duration.

Intraspecific variation of wing pointedness index in juvenile Acrocephalus warblers in the southeastern Baltic

Variation of wing pointedness index between groups of juveniles captured in different months (July, August, and September) and at different stages of juvenile moult was studied in three Acrocephalus warbler species captured on the Courish Spit on the Baltic Sea. Sedge warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) captured in July had less pointed wings than sedge warblers captured in August or September. Marsh warblers (A. palustris) showed no significant difference between birds in early and in late moult. No differences in wing pointedness were found between different cohorts of reed warblers (A. scirpaceus), including known locally hatched birds and late migrants captured in September. It is hypothesised that reed warbler populations in the northeastern Baltic are too evolutionarily young to have evolved a different wing shape as compared with the local Courish population.

Variation in body mass and fat reserves of the Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus on autumn migration in the L'viv province (W Ukraine)

Variation in body mass and fat reserves of the Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus on autumn migration in the L'viv province (W Ukraine) The aim of the paper is limited to a rough describing peculiarities of relations between fat deposit level and the body mass as well as a seasonal and diurnal dynamics of catching at an inland study site located far to the North from important geographical barriers on the Sedge Warbler migration to Central Africa. Material was collected in 1999 and 2000 from July (11 Jul. 1999 and 28 Jul. 2000) till 29 August in L'viv province (western Ukraine). In the present paper 1066 Sedge Warblers caught in 1999 and 407 ones caught in 2000 were taken under consideration. Their body mass and fat score were recorded according to rules published by Busse (1983, 2000). During elaboration of the data the idea of body mass standardisation for a defined fat score (T 2) was adopted (Busse 1970) and adequate correction values (ci ) were calculated. Because of the obtained results a new procedure of the correction values defining - if the data allow - is proposed. In both years adults were highly significantly heavier than immatures. This finding leads to conclusion that summarising data for adult and immature Sedge Warblers in calculation of body mass correction values would result in significant growth of variance. Having compared the body mass in years 1999 and 2000 a pronounced difference between immatures was found. In 1999 the first period of migration was characterised by relatively high representation of adults (16.8%) and a low fat level (average fat score T = 1.76 and relative fat load t = -0.12 g for adults, while T = 1.57 and t = -0.21 g for immatures). This time was probably premigration dispersion and gaining of fat before migration rather than real migration movements. The share of adults among Sedge Warblers migrating in second and third periods was very similar in both studied years (1999 - 9.43% and 2000 - 9.46%). The fat load of birds caught during these periods was higher than in the starting period but still rather low as for long-distance migrants (T = 2.06-2.42 and t = 0.03-0.21 g for adults, T = 1.90-2.30 and t = -0.05-0.16 g for immatures). Both the fat load and body mass was growing during a day. The most interesting here were the differences in the growth rate: the average fat load grew during a day by 0.27 g while direct values of the actual body mass differed by as much as 0.84 g (that is more than two times more). This relation was repeated in 2000. That could mean that visible fat deposit does not reflect all gained fuel, but it should be studied more deeply than even big samples, from two years only, allow. Analysing changes of the fat load and the body mass one must keep in mind that observed differences in the fat scores of birds caught in different parts of a day could be caused by two separate processes: (1) feeding and accumulation of fuel reserves (passing borders set in a fat scoring procedure) and (2) possible differentiation of the diurnal activity of birds that already have different levels of stored fat.

Fat and pectoral muscle in migrating Sedge Warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Increases in fat and pectoral muscle mass are important physiological changes associated with migration, but the extent to which these are linked is uncertain. The relationship between fat and pectoral muscle in first‐year Sedge Warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus was investigated using the carcasses of 20 birds that died by flying into the lighthouse on Bardsey Island, North Wales, UK, in autumn 1996, and data for fat and pectoral muscle scores from 3,281 Sedge Warblers ringed while on migration thro ugh the Wetland Trust Reserve at Elms Farm, Sussex, UK, between the end of July and early October in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. For the Bardsey sample, the mass of tracheal pit fat (claviculocoracoid fat body) correlated with the masses of fat at other body sites, and was a good measure of overall fat levels. Lean dry pectoral muscle mass did not correlate with the mass of tracheal pit fat, suggesting that pectoral muscle mass and fat mass are independent measures of body size. The link between fat and pectoral muscle mass was investigated further using the Elms Farm data. Wing length, time of capture, fat score and pectoral muscle score all made significant contributions to overall body mass. Although fat and pectoral muscle scores were correlated overall, analysis by year and fat score range supported the idea that these can vary independently. Analysis of fat and pectoral muscle scores by different ringers suggested that fat scores were consistently applied in different years; however, pectoral muscle scores may be harder to standardise between ringers. In summary, we suggest that fat and pectoral muscle mass increase independently in preparation for migration, but the factors which determine variation in pectoral muscle scores in relation to fat scores in different years are unknown.

Area Requirements Of Passerine Birds In The Reed Archipelago Of Lake Velence, Hungary

I studied the area requirement of reedbed breeding passerine birds on 109 reed islands in Lake Velence, Hungary, in the breeding seasons of 1993 and 1994. The size of the smallest occupied reed island for the observed 8 passerine bird species varied from 0.02 ha (Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides) to 4.14 ha (Bluethroat Luscinia svecica). Three species occupied reed islands which were 8–18 times larger than their territory sizes (Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, Moustached Warbler A. melanopogon, and Bluethroat), three species occurred on reed islands 4–4.5 times larger than territory sizes (Great Reed Warbler A. arundinaceus, Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus, and Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus), and two species occurred on islands half the size of their territory sizes in continuous reedbeds (Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus, Savi’s Warbler). This may suggest that the latter two species can utilise groups of small patches within a territory. The incidence functions showed that the probability of occurrence of the Moustached Warbler and the Bluethroat was not 1 even on the largest reed islands (7–25.7 ha), while it was 1 for the other 6 species. The importance of landscape matrix type in determining minimum area requirements was demonstrated using data on the occurrence of bird species in reed marshes within an agricultural landscape in the Po Plain (Italy). In this landscape much larger minimum areas were found than at Lake Velence.

Bird ringing in Britain and Ireland in 2002

This is the 66th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme covering work carried out and data received in 2002. The BTO continues to work to understand the causes of bird population declines. During the year a major report on the demography of House Sparrows† and Starlings was completed. The work showed that while the decline in House Sparrows is likely to be due to a decline in the survival rate of first‐year birds, changes in productivity (the number of young birds entering the population) appear to have helped to halt the decline in recent years. For Starlings, changes in survival of first‐year birds was the best way of explaining the population decline, although changes in adult survival rate may also be implicated in eastern Britain. Work on wader age ratios showed that the proportion of juvenile waders in flocks caught in winter in Britain & Ireland may provide information about breeding success of high arctic species. Such data are hard to gather on the breeding grounds because of their remoteness and the dispersed nature of the breeding birds. A novel analysis of recoveries was able to show that the origins of Willow Warblers moving through Dungeness Bird Observatory in the autumn varied through the migration period and that the patterns of movement had changed in recent years. Data from the Constant Effort Sites (CES) Scheme showed that adult abundance in 2002 was generally lower than in 2001 following poor productivity in that year. Of nine significant changes in catches of adult birds between 2001 and 2002 eight were decreases (Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Chaffinch), with one increase (Bullfinch). Productivity generally improved when compared to 2001 with 18 species showing a statistically significant increase between the two years (Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Long‐tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting). Data sets for 110 studies of 42 species were submitted as part of the Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) Project. The number of birds ringed (791,074) increased, after the drop in 2001 as a result of some land access restrictions imposed due to Foot and Mouth Disease, and was 4% above the mean of the previous five years (1997–2001). The recovery total (11,042) was similar to the five‐year mean (1997–2001). Recoveries of 130 BTO‐ringed birds and 63 ringed abroad are presented in the report; those selected for inclusion confirm known breeding or wintering areas or migration routes and also show a number of significant or unusual movements.

Directional behaviour of the Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) studied in two types of orientation cages during autumn migration - a case study

Directional behaviour of the Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) studied in two types of orientation cages during autumn migration - a case study Migratory directions of Sedge Warblers tested in the Emlen funnel and Busse's flat cage during autumn migration in the Balkan region were studied. Some methodological aspects of orientation data analysis were discussed as well. According to orientation data at least two populations of the Sedge Warbler migrate in NE Bulgaria: one in SW direction via Greece, crossing the Mediterranean Sea to Libya, and then Central Africa and second one through Turkey, (Cyprus?) and the Middle East to the eastern parts of winter quarters (SE direction). This pattern is clear when a calculation method that assumes reverse and axial behaviour of birds (i.e. reversing vectors from northern sectors) is applied. Nature of "reverse migration" is still not well recognised and seems to be very interesting for further studies.

Body mass and fat reserves of Sedge Warblers during vernal nocturnal migration: departure versus arrival

Body mass and fat reserves of Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) on nocturnal departure and arrival were studied by two methods (capture in high nets and playback of songs) on the Courish Spit (Eastern Baltic, Russia) in spring 1998–2000. The average body mass of departing Sedge Warblers was 13.7 g, and the average body mass of arriving birds was 13.1 g. The difference between arrival and departure masses was not significant. The calculated flight range of departing Sedge Warblers in still air varied from 19 to 665 km, with a mean of 295 km. The high fuel loads of Sedge Warblers on departure and on arrival may be explained by the necessity for Scandinavian populations to cross the Baltic; the risk of drifting out to sea for birds migrating over land; or the general vernal migratory strategy of Sedge Warblers, involving a series of short (4.5–6.2 h) flights on several consecutive nights.

Song and the song control pathway in the brain can develop independently of exposure to song in the sedge warbler.

Previous studies have shown that female sedge warblers choose to mate with males that have more complex songs, and sexual selection has driven the evolution of both song complexity and the size of the major song control area (HVc) in the brain. In songbirds, learning from conspecifics plays a major role in song development and this study investigates the effects of isolation and exposure to song on song structure and the underlying song control system. Sibling pairs of hand-reared nestling sedge warblers were reared to sexual maturity under two conditions. Siblings in one group were reared individually in acoustic isolation in separate soundproof chambers. In the other group, siblings were reared together in an aviary with playback of recorded songs. The following spring, analysis of songs revealed that siblings reared in acoustic isolation produced normal song structures, including larger syllable repertoires than those exposed to song. We found no significant differences in the volumes of HVc, nucleus robustus archistnatalis, the lateral portion of the magnocellular nucleus and the density of dendritic spines between the two groups. Males exceeded females in all these measures, and also had a larger telencephalon. Our experiments show that complex song, sexual dimorphism in brain structure, and the size of song nuclei can all develop independently of exposure to song. These findings have important implications for how sexual selection can operate upon a complex male trait such as song and how it may also shape the more general evolution of brain structure in songbirds.

Bird ringing in Britain and Ireland in 2001

This is the 65th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme covering work carried out and data received in 2001. As part of the BTO's production of the landmark Migration Atlas: movements of the birds of Britain & Ireland, which will review movements of birds using Britain & Ireland, novel approaches to the investigation of the movement patterns and distances were developed. These allow the objective comparison of whether different species are sedentary, short‐distance or long‐distance migrants and the investigation of differential migration between birds of different age and sex. The BTO continues to carry out a programme of work investigating the declines in bird populations. In 2001, an investigation of Song Thrush population dynamics showed that the survival rates of young birds was key in the population decline; reduction in survival rates also seemed to have driven the fall in numbers of Marsh Tits. Work on movements of waders between roosts on the Moray Basin showed little movement for most species; important information when the possible effects of disturbance are being considered. An investigation of the biometrics of the Redshank wintering on Severn Estuary found that the proportions of Icelandic and British breeders varied between sites; again an important factor in assessing the possible consequences of disturbance. A pilot project, which is investigating the collection of data on movements and demography of farmland passerines in winter is described. Data collected as part of the Constant Effort Sites (CES) Scheme showed significant changes in the numbers of seven species between 2000 and 2001. Of these, five resident species (Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch and Greenfinch) and one migrant (Whitethroat) showed increases. Only one species (Willow Warbler) decreased. By contrast, productivity tended to be low with 11 species, both residents (Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Long‐tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Greenfinch and Reed Bunting) and migrants (Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff) showing significant declines. Progress on the EURO‐CES project, which aims to develop standard protocols for CES fieldwork and data capture across Europe is reported. Data sets for 86 studies of 42 species were submitted as part of the Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) Project. The first detailed analysis of Pied Flycatcher data from RAS‐type studies showed that survival rates vary between different areas of the country and confirms the value of this project. The numbers of birds ringed in 2001 (648,936) was 16% below the mean of the previous five years (1996–2000), largely as a result of Foot and Mouth Disease, which restricted the areas ringers had access to. The recovery total (10,692) was 6% lower than the five‐year mean (1996–2000). Recoveries of 195 BTO‐ringed birds and 77 birds ringed abroad are presented in the report and include a number of unusual or significant movements. Of particular note are the first recovery of a Great White Egret involving Britain & Ireland, the first recoveries of BTO‐ringed Honey Buzzards, a BTO‐ringed American Golden Plover recovered in Italy, an Hungarian‐ringed Knot found in England and the first foreign‐ringed Yellow‐browed Warbler (from Norway) to be reported in Britain & Ireland.