White-fronted Geese Anser Albifrons Research Articles

Spring ice formation on goose neck collars: effects on body condition and survival in Greenland white-fronted geese Anser albifrons flavirostris

During sub-zero temperatures and strong winds on 10–11 April 2013, we witnessed ice accumulation on plastic collars of staging Greenland white-fronted geese Anser albifrons flavirostris in Iceland. Ice affected 19 of 77 collared individuals seen, all of which had lost ice by 12 April, despite continuing freezing temperatures. Temperatures exceeded freezing after 14 April; daily observations found no recurrence of ice formation before geese left for Greenland in early May. Abdominal profile scores (a field assessment of accumulated body fat) did not differ significantly between geese with and without ice before departure from Iceland. There was no significant difference in return rates between geese with iced (79 %) or un-iced collars (83 %) reported the following autumn. These first reports of collar icing in over 30 years of the project give cause for concern and vigilance, but we recommend continued use of collars given exceptional weather conditions and lack of effects.

Assessment of lead exposure in waterfowl species, Korea.

Lead concentrations were analyzed in white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons, n = 15), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos, n = 4), and spot-billed ducks (A. poecilorhyncha, n = 13) found dead near Gimpo, Korea, to determine tissue- and species-specific lead concentration differences and to assess the effect of embedded lead shot. In livers, kidneys, and bones (tarsus), mallards and spot-billed ducks with embedded shot had greater lead concentrations than white-fronted geese and spot-billed ducks without lead shot. Lead concentrations in spot-billed ducks were greater in bones than in livers and kidneys suggesting chronic exposure to lead. Lead concentrations in 8 of 32 livers, 5 of 32 kidneys, and 9 of 32 bones exceeded the threshold level of abnormal exposure for wild birds (>5 µg/g dw in lives, >6 µg/g dw in kidney, and >6.75 µg/g dw in bone). Increased lead concentrations in soft tissues and bones might be attributed to increased lead shot ingestion and embedded shot. Lead concentrations were correlated between livers and kidneys, between livers and bones, and between kidneys and bones. These results suggest that a relationship between acute exposure in livers and kidneys and chronic exposure in bones.

Microsatellite Marker Discovery using Single Molecule Real-Time Circular Consensus Sequencing on the Pacific Biosciences RS

Microsatellite sequences are important markers for population genetics studies. In the past, the development of adequate microsatellite primers has been cumbersome. However with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, marker identification in genomes of non-model species has been greatly simplified. Here we describe microsatellite discovery on a Pacific Biosciences single molecule real-time sequencer. For the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), we identified 316 microsatellite loci in a single genome shotgun sequencing experiment. We found that the capability of handling large insert sizes and high quality circular consensus sequences provides an advantage over short read technologies for primer design. Combined with a straightforward amplification-free library preparation, PacBio sequencing is an economically viable alternative for microsatellite discovery and subsequent PCR primer design.

The benefits of being big: effects of body size on energy budgets of three wintering goose species grazing Carex beds in the Yangtze River floodplain, China

Herbivores of different body size vary in food selection because of their different metabolic requirements and abilities to harvest and digest food. Compared with smaller grazers, larger ones require higher food quantity but can tolerate poorer quality. This divergence may also explain habitat partitioning in the distribution of closely related species. By estimating daily energy expenditure (based on observed activity budgets) and energy intake (using the indigestible marker method in food and faeces), we compared the field energy budgets of three wintering herbivorous goose species differing in body size feeding on the same Carex meadows. Throughout the winter, the larger Bean Geese Anser fabalis serrirostris and Greater White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons maintained positive energy budgets grazing lower quality Carex, in contrast to the smaller Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus which failed to do so and could only maintain positive energy budgets by grazing high-quality Alopecurus, Cynodon and Eleocharis. However, all three species failed to maintain positive energy balance and lost mass in mid-winter. These results have important implications for explaining the divergent distribution patterns of these species on their wintering grounds in China.

Phylogenetic Relationship of the Greater White-Fronted GooseAnser albifronsSubspecies Wintering in the Palaearctic Region

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons has a holarctic breeding distribution and is polymorphic. Three subspecies winter in the Palaearctic region, one of which also winters in the Nearctic region: European White-fronted Goose A. a. albifrons breeds in the far north of Europe and Asia and winters in the south and west of Europe; Pacific White-fronted Goose A. a. frontalis breeds in east Siberia and Arctic Canada and winters in East Asia and United States; and Greenland White-fronted Goose A. a. flavirostris breeds in Greenland and winters in Ireland and western Scotland. The phylogenetic relationships among these three subspecies are unclear. We determined the mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of Pacific Whitefronted Goose, using 66 shed feathers collected from wintering sites in Japan, and compared the sequences with those previously published for Greater White-fronted Goose subspecies. Phylogenetic trees and networks revealed that there are three clades within the species. The sequence divergence among the clades corresponds to divergence long before the last glacial maximum (15–25 thousand years ago), which suggests the existence of at least three ancient refugia for the species. However, all three subspecies consist of haplotypes from two of the three clades. This suggests that they originated from individuals that survived in two refugia during the last glacial period.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Natural Recombinant H9N2 Influenza Virus Isolated from a White-Fronted Goose ( Anser albifrons ) in South Korea

In 2007, we isolated a natural recombinant H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) from the fecal droppings of a white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) in South Korea. Phylogenetic analyses of the complete genome sequence showed that polymerase acidic (PA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes belonged to the Eurasian lineage AIV, but polymerase basic 2 (PB2), PB1, hemagglutinin (HA), nucleoprotein (NP), matrix (M), and nonstructural (NS) genes belonged to the North-American lineage AIV. These data are beneficial for understanding the ecology and epidemiology of AIVs.

Censuses of autumn staging and wintering goose populations in Sweden 1977/1978–2011/2012

Field choice was recorded during counts of geese in South-west Scania, South Sweden in autumn (October and November) and in winter (January), 1977/1978–2011/2012. Sugar beet spill was the most important field type in autumn and during the last ten years also in winter. Bean Geese Anser fabalis used this food source when the study started while Canada Geese Branta canadensis, Greylag Geese Anser anser, White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons and Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis followed during the years 1987–2001. Potatoes were mainly used when fields with sugar beet spill were unavailable. Cereal stubbles were mainly used in autumn and to a quite low extent. Winter cereals were heavily used by most species in both autumn and winter during the first 15 years but less so thereafter. Grasslands were mainly used in winter, to a large extent by White-fronted Geese and to a quite high extent by Bean Geese and Barnacle Geese. The total use of oilseed rape was low, mainly by Canada Geese that utilised fields with no-till when the ground was snow-covered.

Особенности генетического разнообразияAnser albifronsScopoli, 1769 иAnser fabalisLatham, 1787 на Дальнем Востоке России

Using RAPD PCR analysis and sequencing of the 5' end segment of the mtDNA control region, the genetic diversity and differentiation of Far Eastern populations of greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons Scopoli, 1769 and bean goose Anser fabalis Latham, 1787 were examined. Based on RAPD PCR data, the level of gene diversity (h) for A. albifrons (0.3634) and A. fabalis (0.3899) was calculated. Sequence data showed considerably higher level of inter-population diversity in A. fabalis (26.4%), compared to A. albifrons (1.88%). Similarly, the nucleotide and haplotype diversity parameters were somewhat higher in A. fabalis (0.01852 and 0.955). Phylogenetic reconstructions generated using neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony algorithms divided each of the examined species into two clusters that differ in the number of haplotypes included. These clusters can correspond to the subspecies that live in the Far East.

Molecular Tools for Species and Sex Identification in the Mixed-Species Flocks of Bean Geese and White-Fronted Geese

Genetic studies on protected species can be difficult, particularly when they form a mixed-species flock with other species. The bean goose (Anser fabalis), which is internationally recognized as a threatened species, was observed to form overwintering foraging flocks with white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) at agricultural lands to feed on the grains in Korea. Non-invasive samples such as feces and feather that are readily available in their foraging ground can be useful for understanding the structure and composition of populations, but they often require specific experimental conditions due to small amount or low quality of DNA. In this study, we designed sets of primers that would allow efficient molecular identification of species and sex of individuals of bean geese and white-fronted geese. Species-specific primers (WFG-F/BG-F and G-R), developed from ND2 region of mitochondrial DNA, produced PCR products with different sizes which allow easy species identification without further sequencing. Based on published CHD 1 sequences, we designed internal primers (Gsex-F and Gsex-R) for sex determination that can be used in nested PCR after applying P2/P8 primers, and our methods clearly showed high success rate of molecular sexing from non-invasive samples. These molecular tools open the possibilities for genetic studies using non-invasive samples collected from a mixed-species aggregation containing bean geese and white-fronted geese.

The changing abundance and distribution of Greater White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons in the Yangtze River floodplain: impacts of recent hydrological changes

SummaryCount data show that wintering Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons numbers in their Chinese stronghold (the Yangtze River catchment) have fallen from about 140,000 in the late 1980s and early 1990s to c.18,000 now, despite increases in the overall flyway population (mostly wintering in South Korea and Japan). Declines have occurred in Jiangxi, but most markedly in Hunan (predominantly at East Dongting Lake) where the decline has been steady since 2003/2004, with few left from 2008/2009 onwards. Numbers have increased substantially in Anhui (predominantly at Shengjin Lake), which now supports more Greater White-fronted Geese than Jiangxi and Hunan combined. The species appears a habitat specialist in China, confined to grazing short-sward recessional Carex sedge meadows. At East Dongting Lake, reductions in Greater White-fronted Geese numbers correlated with declines in availability of suitable sedge swards, caused by earlier water table recession, which in recent years has meant swards were too tall for geese to utilise from their arrival in autumn. The hydrological changes are most probably due to the commissioning of the Three Gorges Dam in mid-2003. At Shengjin Lake, the increases may be due to recent stable first exposure dates and slow water recession rates which favour short Carex swards attractive to geese; high buffalo grazing density at this lake may also assist in maintaining suitable sward heights. These hypotheses require investigation.

Landscape structure, human disturbance and crop management affect foraging ground selection by migrating geese

It is well known that agricultural intensification has caused severe population declines among bird species which use farmland for breeding and overwintering, while migrating bird species may benefit from intensive farming, but in turn damage crops. Knowledge of the habitat selection of migrating birds is important from both a conservation and agro-economic point of view. We investigated the habitat preferences of three common migrating goose species: White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons, Bean Goose A. fabalis and Greylag Goose A. anser during the autumn of 2009 in western Poland. A total of 24 flocks of these species were identified. Geese preferred large, elevated fields that were remote from forests and human settlements but in close proximity to a lake. Geese selected maize stubbles and avoided winter cereals. They selected sites in landscapes with a lower diversity of crops. Flock size was negatively correlated with the proportion of pastures in the landscape, but it increased with field size, distance to forest and distance to town. Our results are in contrast with the paradigm that less intensive farmland positively influences habitat use by birds during foraging. We advise the delayed ploughing of stubbles with the aim of creating appropriate foraging habitats for geese and minimizing damage to cereal crops.

Wintering Avifauna and Community Changes in response to Agricultural Intensification in Cheorwon, Korea

This study was conducted to investigate changes in avifauna communities of the Civilian Control Zone (CCZ: N38o 10'∼19', E127o 04'∼26'), which is the near Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Cheorwon, Korea. An analysis was conducted on data that were collected 4 times a year between December and February from December 2001 to February 2011. This study documented changes in bird population affected by artificial feeding and agricultural activity. In this study, a total of 59,393 individuals (maximum number of individuals) of 101 species were observed. In descending order of dominance, dominant species were the White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), White-naped Crane (Grus vipio), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis), Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica), and Cinereous Vulture (Aegypus monachus). Over the course of the study, avifauna communities did not show significant increasing or decreasing changes in community indices. However, with the exception of the White-fronted Geese, evenness decreased. Red-crowned Crane and Cinereous Vulture populations experienced significant fluctuations, which were strongly related to changes in the intensity of artificial feeding. In particular, the abundance of Cinereous Vultures tended to decrease as artificial feeding decreased; decreases in artificial feeding were a preventive measure to address concerns regarding the occurrence of infectious diseases, such as avian influenza and foot and mouth disease. Except for Cinereous Vultures, raptors have decreased for the past ten years in all community indices, such as the number of species (r= −0.74, p<0.05), species diversity (r= −0.76, p<0.05), species richness (r= −0.62, p=0.056), and species evenness (r= −0.67, p<0.05). Such a drop in the raptor indices is possibly due to a decrease in area in the CCZ, increasing residential area, agricultural intensification, and decreasing natural areas.

Description of Sarcocystis anasi sp. nov. and Sarcocystis albifronsi sp. nov. in birds of the order Anseriformes

On the basis of the already published morphological, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA data (Kutkienė et al., Parasitol Res 99:562-565, 2006; Parasitol Res 102:691-696, 2008; Parasitol Res 104:329-336, 2009), and ITS-1 region investigation results of sarcocysts presented in this paper, Sarcocystis albifronsi sp. nov. from the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) and Sarcocystis anasi sp. nov. from the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) are described.

Serological and virological survey and resighting of marked wild geese in Germany

In order to investigate the potential role of arctic geese in the epidemiology, the spatial and temporal spread of selected avian diseases, in autumn 2002, a virological and serological survey designed as capture-mark-resighting study was conducted in one of the most important coastal resting sites for migratory waterfowl in Germany. Oropharyngeal, cloacal swabs and blood samples were collected from a total of 147 birds comprising of three different arctic geese species including White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), Tundra Bean Goose (Anser fabalis rossicus), Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) as well as from 29 non-migratory Canada Geese (Branta canadensis). Altogether, six adeno-like viruses (ALV; 95% CI, 1.74–9.92%) and two avian paramyxoviruses (APMV-4; 95% CI, 0.19–5.53%) were isolated mainly from juvenile White-fronted Geese. In addition, four Canada Geese were infected with lentogenic APMV-1 (95% CI, 3.89–31.66%) at the date of sampling. No avian influenza viruses, reo-like viruses could be isolated despite serological evidence. Likewise, no evidence of current or previous infection by West Nile virus was found. Of the 147 birds tagged in the following years, 137 birds were re-sighted between 2002 and 2008 accumulating to 1925 sightings. About 90% of all sightings were reported from the main wintering and resting sites in Germany and The Netherlands. Eight of the resighted geese were virus positive (ALV and APMV-4) at the time point of sampling in 2002.

Seasonal and Sexual Differences in Migration Timing and Fat Deposition in the Greater White-Fronted Goose

Abstract We investigated fat deposition and the timing of departure of Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons at Lake Miyajimanuma, Hokkaido, which is the largest stopover site in northern Japan, focusing on the differences between seasons and between sexes. We assessed the fat mass of neck-banded geese by observing their abdominal profiles. In spring, the variation in departure dates among individuals was smaller than that in arrival dates, and there was a positive correlation between arrival dates and departure dates in the fall. The factors affecting decision-making relating to the timing of departure are assumed to be the time constraints of migration before breeding in the spring and on the duration of stay in the fall. The spring fat increase in females was larger than in the fall, and had a tendency to be larger than in males in the spring, The seasonal and sexual difference in fat mass increase seems to be explained by the requirement of fat for breeding after departing from the stopover site...

Meningoencephalitis Associated with Sarcocystis spp. in a Free-Living Japanese Raccoon Dog ( Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus)

A free-living, young adult, male Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) was rescued in Gifu, Japan in March 2009. The animal was weak and emaciated with neurological signs that included head tilt, tremor and tic. The brain showed no gross abnormality at necropsy, but microscopically there was severe meningoencephalitis associated with protozoa, which were morphologically consistent with the asexual developmental stage of Sarcocystis spp. The protozoa were immunohistochemically negative for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, but reacted weakly with antiserum specific for Sarcocystis cruzi. Analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the protozoa were most closely related to an unidentified Sarcocystis species that was isolated from the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons).

Fugler i Norge i 2005 - Rapport fra Norsk faunakomité for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2005 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2005, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF)&nbsp;The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2005 all the counties on the mainland contributed to the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn &amp; Fjordane, Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties did not publish own county reports. Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen did not contribute to this report. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2005. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick&rsquo;s Swan Cygnus columbianus was the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site at Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons were seen in poor numbers, while Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus were seen in record high numbers. Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata occurred in high numbers. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2005 was the best year to date for this species. Garganeys Anas qurquedula had a poor year. Quail Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the fourth year in succession. Yellow-billed Divers Gavia adamsii experienced the second best year since 1991. Due to favourable weather conditions in late August both Sooty Shearwaters Puffinus griseus and Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus occurred in record high numbers. Many Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2005 was the third best year ever. The occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was very poor. Several shorebirds, such as Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Sanderlings Calidris alba and Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica were reported in high numbers from mid-January following the winter storm &laquo;Inga&raquo;. The number of migrating Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus, Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa and Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus were the second best in NFKFs history. Migrating Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus was seen in good numbers. Iceland Gulls Larus glaucoides occurred in record high numbers while the occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus and Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus was the third best in NFKFs history. The occurrence of Black Terns Chlidonias niger was very poor. Wood Larks Lullula arborea occurred in record high numbers. The negative trend related to migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris continued in 2005 and the last six years represent the six poorest years for this species. Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus had another poor year, while Richard&rsquo;s Pipits Anthus richardi occured in record high numbers. The occurrence of Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava flavissima was the poorest in NFKF&rsquo;s history. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in record high numbers and seventeen confirmed breeding pairs were recorded from coastal areas. The Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus is probably expanding significantly in the north of its distribution range. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia and the occurrence of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus was the best ever recorded. The number of Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria was the second best in NFKF&rsquo;s history. The number of Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor was the highest ever recorded. Two-barred Crossbills Loxia leucoptera and Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator occurred in poor numbers. The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana still has a negative trend and is disappearing from former breeding areas. The Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica experienced the poorest year in NFKFs history, while the occurrence of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla was the best ever recorded.

Estimates and trends of waterbird numbers wintering in Ireland, 1994/95 to 2003/04

Capsule There has been a decline in the numbers of waterbirds wintering in Ireland between 1994/95 and 2003/04, including a 5% decline in wildfowl and an 11% decline in waders. Aims To provide estimates of numbers and trends in relative abundance of selected waterbird species wintering on the island of Ireland. Methods Waterbird counts were undertaken at key wetland sites in Ireland each winter (September to March) between 1994/95 and 2003/04. For each species, estimates were calculated for two five-season periods (1994/95–1998/99 and 1999/2000–03/04), while trends in relative abundance were analysed over the entire ten-season period. Counts were modelled using a multiplicative log-linear index model, with site, year and month factors. Results National estimates of overwintering numbers were produced for 42 species of waterbirds, and used to produce all-Ireland 1% thresholds (which are used to evaluate the importance of wetland sites). In winter, large proportions of several populations occur in Ireland, particularly Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, Greater White-fronted Goose (Greenland race) Anser albifrons flavirostris, Brent Goose (Canadian Light-bellied race) Branta bernicla hrota and Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa islandica. Of the 39 species for which trends were measured, 18 showed annual declines in excess of 2%, while ten species had increased. Numbers of the remaining 11 species were relatively stable. For many species, the trends measured appear to be continuations of longer-term changes since the 1970s. Conclusion These most recent estimates of waterbird numbers have been improved compared with those previously generated, due to improved levels of coverage and better analytical methods. This study highlights that there have been significant changes in the numbers of waterbirds wintering in Ireland over the past 30 years. The fact that many of these trends parallel wider flyway-scale population trajectories implies that large-scale drivers (e.g. climate change) may be responsible. However, many of the observed declines are likely to be a consequence of increased economic development which has led to direct habitat loss to industrial and residential development.

Fugler i Norge 2004 – Rapport fra Norsk faunakomite for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2004 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2004, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF)The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2004 all the counties contributed to the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn &amp; Fjordane, Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties did not publish own county reports. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2004. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick&rsquo;s Swan Cygnus columbianus was one of the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons was seen in good numbers. Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata occurredin record high numbers. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2004 was the second best year to date for this species. Quails Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the third year in succession. Yellowbilled Divers Gavia adamsii experienced the second best year since 1991. Leach&rsquo;s Storm Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa was seen in record high numbers in Rogaland in September. Many Common Kestrels Falco tinnunculus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2004 was the second best year ever. The occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was the best ever in NFKFs history. Several shorebirds, such as European Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria, Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Great Knots Calidris canutus, SanderlingsCalidris alba and Woodcocks Scolopax rusticola wintered in low numbers. The number of migrating Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus was the second best in NFKFs history. Migrating Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus and Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus were seen in good numbers, and the occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus was the second best in NFKFs history. Compared to the last three years, Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus occurred in considerable lower numbers in 2004. Also the occurrence of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiaca and Great Grey Owls Strix nebulosa were very poor. The negative trend related to migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris continued in 2004, and the last five years represent the five poorest years for this species. The occurrence of Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus was one of the poorest in NFKFs history, while Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava flavissima and Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba yarrellii occurredin near record numbers. Many breeding attempts of Waxwings Bombycilla garrulus were recorded, especially in Nordland county. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in record high numbers, and nine confirmed breeding pairs were recorded. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia was the highest ever recorded, and the number of Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris and Redbreasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva continued to be high. Many breeding attempts of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio were recorded in Rogaland county, and Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor had another good year throughout the country. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus still show a marked increase in the north of its distribution range, especially in Nord- Tr&oslash;ndelag county. In November, the southernmost parts of Norway experienced a major influx of Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator producing record numbers in the history of NFKF. In October, Norway also had a major influx of Bullfinches Pyrrhula pyrrhula. These Bullfinches probably came from other parts of Europe than Fennoscandia. The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana continued to occur in low numbers and the Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica experienced the poorest year in NFKFs history. The occurrence of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla was very good.

Sarcocystis sp. from the goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos): cyst morphology and ribosomal DNA analysis

By light microscopy, cysts of Sarcocystis sp. (cyst type I) from the goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) seemed filamentous with a smooth and thin (<1 microm) cyst wall. Ultrastructurally, the cyst wall surface was irregular with minute undulations of the primary cyst wall. These sarcocysts had type-1 cyst wall. Cystozoites were banana-shaped and measured 7.0-8.5 microm in length. By light microscopy, cysts of Sarcocystis sp. (cyst type II) from the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) were ribbon-shaped, very long, and thin. On the surface of the wall (up to 1.5 microm), they had palisade-like villar protrusions closely crowded together. Electron micrographs showed villar protrusions (up to 1.3 microm in length) different in size and shape. The latter had short microprojections especially obvious in the oblique sections. Cystozoites were slightly bent with blunt ends, broader at one end, and measured 13.0-16.1 x 1.8-2.5 microm. Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of partial 28S rRNR gene sequences of Sarcocystis sp. (cyst type II) derived from the mallard, Sarcocystis sp. (cyst type I) and Sarcocystis sp. (cyst type III) both derived from the white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) suggested that these sequences belonged to separate Sarcocystis species.