Wintering Sites Research Articles

Migratory routes, breeding locations and multiple non-breeding sites of Common Whitethroats Curruca communis revealed by geolocators.

Understanding general migration characteristics and how breeding and non-breeding sites are connected is crucial for predicting the response of long-distance migratory bird populations to environmental changes. We use data collected from six geolocators to describe migratory routes and identify breeding and non-breeding locations, migratory behaviour and differences between spring and autumn migration of Common Whitethroats Curruca communis, an Afro-Palearctic migrant, wintering in Nigeria. Most individuals departed on spring migration in April, following a north-easterly direction, arriving at their breeding grounds across central-eastern Europe (~425,000 km2) in May. Departures from breeding grounds took place between July and August in a south-westerly direction. During spring migration individuals travelled longer distances at faster rates making its overall duration shorter than autumn migration. We suggest that, while Whitethroats can cross the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea in a single flight, they are likely to refuel before and after crossing. Results indicate that Whitethroats undertook loop migration and visited two wintering sites: first in the Sahel, then in Nigeria, where they remained until spring migration. Geolocator results and data from the European Union for Bird Migration's (EURING) ringing database suggest that Whitethroats have a relatively high migratory spread-individuals from a single non-breeding site breed across a wide area of Europe. Our research is the first to track and describe the complete annual cycle of Whitethroats and one of the few studies to do so for any Afro-Palearctic migrant from non-breeding grounds. We identified the Sahel as an important refuelling and first wintering site indicating its conservation, alongside other stopover sites, is crucial for the species. We believe that changes in this region will have severe effects on a subset of individuals of specific European breeding populations, but these effects will greatly depend on the severity of the changes and at what spatial scale they occur.

Should I stay or should I fly? Migration phenology, individual-based migration decision and seasonal changes in foraging behaviour of Common Woodpigeons

Migration is used by many species as a strategy to deal with a seasonally changing environment. For some species, migration patterns can vary across different or even within the same breeding area. The Common Woodpigeon Columba palumbus, an abundant and widespread Palearctic species, exhibits three migratory strategies (strictly migratory, partially migratory and resident) across its European breeding grounds. Based on ring recoveries and satellite tracking data, we investigated the migration and foraging behaviour of Woodpigeons breeding in Southwestern Europe (Portugal) and Central Europe (Germany). We found that individuals could be classified as residents (Portugal) or partial migrants (Germany), with migrating individuals following the European sector of the East Atlantic flyway, and mainly wintering in France. In addition to general data on migration phenology, we provide evidence for different migration strategies (migration of varying distances or resident behaviour), low wintering site fidelity and the use of multiple wintering sites. Furthermore, tracking data provided information on migratory behaviour in consecutive years, clearly showing that individuals may switch migratory strategies (resident vs. migrant) between years, i.e. are facultative partial migrants. While individuals from Portugal mainly stayed within a large park (‘green urban area’) year-round, Woodpigeons from the city of Giessen (Germany) regularly left the urban area to forage on surrounding farmland (with an average distance covered of 5.7 km), particularly from July to September. Overall, our results highlight the behavioural plasticity in Woodpigeons in terms of foraging and migration strategies within and amongst individuals as well as populations.

Migratory connectivity and timing for an at-risk Canadian landbird, Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), from two geographically distant breeding areas

Determining the year-round spatial distributions of at-risk avian migratory species is critical for effective conservation. High-precision tracking enables the identification of distant breeding and nonbreeding areas and their connectivity, as well as migratory routes and associated threats. We GPS-tracked two groups of Eastern Whip-poor-wills ( Antrostomus vociferus (A. Wilson, 1812)) that breed near the northern edge of their range, in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario (“west”), and in southern Ontario (“east”), Canada. The western-breeding birds were also ∼5° of latitude farther north than the eastern birds. We aimed to determine the degree of spatiotemporal overlap between the two groups during fall migration and at tropical wintering sites. We found that western-breeding birds departed earlier on migration than eastern-breeding birds, but we did not detect a difference in arrival timing to wintering sites. The two breeding groups retained spatial structure during migration, until all routes converged to circumnavigate the Gulf of Mexico. Western-breeding birds overwintered at sites farther south than eastern-breeding birds, consistent with a leapfrog pattern of migration. Quantifying the strength of migratory connectivity in at-risk species can be a first step toward defining breeding populations and informing customized conservation strategies throughout the annual cycle.

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Shorebird Assemblages in Select Estuaries along the India's West Coast

The Indian coast and its adjacent wetlands host large congregations of shorebirds, including winter and passage migrants of high conservation priority, along the Central Asian Flyway. Identifying crucial wintering and stopover sites and seasons is an important step toward conserving shorebirds and their habitats along the Indian coast. We assessed spatial and temporal patterns of shorebird composition from January 2015 to December 2016 at seven estuaries along Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, which is located on India's west coast, a coastal zone of international importance for shorebirds. Three potential shorebird habitats –mangroves, mudflats, and sandy beaches – were selected at each of the estuaries chosen for the study. We established three vantage points, one each in the mangrove, mudflat, and sandy beach areas, to count birds during low tide. The total count method was followed to count birds, and occasional photograph-based counts were also made when flock size was big or the flocks kept changing. We recorded 31 species of migratory shorebirds, of which 68% wintered and 32% used the Sindhudurg coast as migratory stopover site. We found significantly high richness and abundance of shorebirds during winter and in the mudflats. nMDS was used to determine species composition of shorebird across habitats and months and revealed distinct patterns of composition in five unique phases: arrival, wintering, early departure, departure, and breeding. Our results revealed that the species composition of shorebirds is not homogenous across sites and months, and is largely driven by the habitat heterogeneity of estuaries, seasonality, and anthropogenic disturbances. These results provide baseline information on shorebirds along a stretch of India's west coast and highlight the importance of mudflats and non-protected coastal wetlands for shorebirds.

The scale of seasonal migrations in the urban part of the Great Tit population in the southeast of the West Siberian plain

Aim. This research aims to study the Great Tit breeding density, depending on the distance from preferred wintering sites with all other things being equal.Material and Methods. 36 route counts were carried out in 22 locations ranging up to 95 km away from the preferred wintering sites. The data was collected in the same weather and climatic zone. The route counts were carried out in the wintering season (January) and in the breeding season (16 April – 15 May) in 2014‐2018. To consider the influence of small settlements, where a smaller number of tits spends winter in comparison with a large city, sample sites were characterized by the population of people living within a radius of 25 km around the sample site.Results. Most Great Tits prefer to minimise the distance from their wintering sites to their nesting sites. The most preferred distance of seasonal movement is 10‐20 km from a large city, the main wintering place for this species.Conclusions. The density of the Great Tit population during the nesting period increases exponentially with the proximity of wintering sites. When more than 20 km from wintering sites, the density of the species during the nesting period does not change reliably. The maximum immanent density during the nesting period is achieved in places of favourable wintering of the species, that is, in a metropolis with agglomeration.

Site fidelity and determinants of wintering decisions in the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus)

Wintering site selection is a major decision in a bird’s annual life cycle since conditions experienced by individuals within a wintering site can influence individual fitness and ultimately population dynamics. If individuals show strong fidelity to specific sites, annual environmental effects can be reinforced. In this study we analyse winter resightings of ringed Dalmatian pelicans, collected during a 35-year-long ringing survey, to identify winter movement patterns of Dalmatian pelicans, assess the level of site fidelity both within and among consecutive wintering events and examine environmental factors that may contribute to an individual’s decision to move towards a specific site during the winter period. Our results showed that the decision of Dalmatian pelicans to move towards a specific site was mainly driven by the site’s size and temperature conditions. Larger wetlands can provide birds with higher resource abundance and offer more opportunities to exploit optimal roosting and feeding habitats, whereas wetlands that do not freeze during the winter are a definite requirement. Wintering movements were more likely to occur at short distances from a bird’s natal colony, whereas it was uncommon for birds born in wetlands located in the Adriatic and Ionian coast to move eastwards during the winter, suggesting a level of spatial substructure. Furthermore, we showed that the species exhibits very strong within-year and among-year wintering site fidelity, with birds moving less during the winter, whereas juvenile birds travel greater distances than the rest of the age classes examined. Our conclusions could guide an effective approach to site-based conservation management at key wintering sites.

한려해상국립공원 거제⋅해금강 지구에 도래하는 아비과(Gaviidae) 조류 도래현황 및 해양환경인자 상관성 분석

The habitat of Gaviidae off the coast of Geoje Island is the only large-scale wintering site for Gaviidae in Korea and is located in the Geoje and Haegeumgang districts of Hallyeohaesang National Park. It is known that from December to April of the following year, more than 1,000 to 2,000 individuals regularly overwinter along the coast of Geoje Island. The Cultural Heritage Administration has designated and protected the Gaviidae habitat along the coast of Geoje Island as Natural Monument No. 227. The first arrival was recorded in mid-December of the previous year (2018), and the population surged in early March, and the maximum number (1,027 indiv.) was recorded in early April. In 2020, it first arrived in early January of the year, and the maximum number (1,174 indiv.) was shown in early April. In 2021, it first arrived in mid-January, and the maximum number (825 indiv.) was recorded in early April. Since the Gaviidae clustered in the maximum number of individuals return to their habitat, correlation analysis was conducted with marine environmental factors from the first arrival to the range of the period when the maximum number appeared. In 2019, water temperature showed a significant correlation, in 2020, salinity and temperature, and in 2021, there was no significant value. As a result of analyzing three years of data, water temperature, air temperature, and wind speed showed significant correlations. In 2019 and 2021, the significance of the entire regression equation could not be determined, and in 2020, salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen in the order of significance level. The overall regression result for the three-year data collection showed high significance, but it did not show a significant value in the analysis by marine environmental factors. As a result of analyzing the dispersion homogeneity of the maximum population recorded in February and April and marine environmental factors, it can be said that water temperature, salinity, pH, and chlorophyll-a all had significant variance differences from the maximum population.

Monitoring of bats in key wintering shelters of the Northern Black Sea region (Ukraine)

Based on the results of winter monitoring of bats conducted in 2020–2022 in key wintering sites—limestone mines located within the continental part of the Back Sea area and the steppe area of Ukraine (Mykolayiv and Odesa ob-lasts)—we have recorded 7 species of bats: Myotis daubentonii, M. dasycneme, M. aurascens, M. mystacinus, Plecotus auritus, P. austriacus, and Eptesicus serotinus. Compared to results of monitoring conducted between 2008 and 2011, the number of bats that winter in the mentioned mines has doubled, from 702 to 1421 spe¬cimens. One individual of M. aurascens, which was ringed in the mine KVL-K in 2008–2011, was recorded there for the sec-ond time. The ring number is VТ 03492, Kyiv, Ukraine. Five species of bats were recorded in each of the three moni-tored sites. The results of the two monitoring sessions appear to be almost identical both by species composition and abundance. The dominating species in the inspected sites and, apparently, generally for winter aggregations of the same type in the region is M. daubentonii. The species share in the total sample was 77%. In Kovalivka (KVL-K) and Illyinka (ILN-K) mines, the co-dominance of two species—M. daubentonii and M. aurascens—was observed (23.3% and 26.8%, respectively). The species M. mystacinus was recorded only in the Kovalivsky mines (9.6%), whereas P. auritus was found only in the Nova Odesa mines (0.1%). The Nova Odesa mines play a key role in pre-serving the rare M. dasycneme in Ukraine harbouring the most abundant and widely known accumulation of this species. All investigated caves are particularly important for the preservation of bat populations in the region and their support during critical stages of their life. Granting the Kuyalnik Estuary the status of nature reserve will con-tribute to the conservation of habitats important for bats. Monitoring of key habitats for conservation of bat species is an important task for the implementation of EUROBATS agreement, which was signed by Ukraine. The obtained data are especially crucial considering the invasion of the russian federation to Ukraine since it is unclear when there will be a chance to continue the monitoring of bats in these key wintering sites and what is their current condition.

Impact of varying N fertiliser rate and timing on yield formation and grain filling in winter and spring-sown oats

The influence of N timing and N rate on yield formation and grain-filling procedures in winter and spring-sown oats is unclear. Factorial trials investigating the effect of six rates of applied N fertiliser (0,30. 60. 90. 120 and 150 kg N ha−1) applied at three timings (Zadoks GS 21, 30 and 50) were conducted at four spring sown sites and three winter sown sites (Cv Husky) over the period 2016–2019 in the east of Ireland.Significant interactions were frequently observed on grain yield following spring and winter sowing, associated with increases in grain number where N was applied at early growth stages (GS 21, GS30) relative to GS50 application. This was linked with increases in panicles/m2 in response to available N during early developmental periods. Grain weight was maintained as the level of N applied at GS50 increased with reductions observed at earlier applications, but had no effect on yield.Responses to applied N rate were in the range of 0.5–1.9 t ha−1 in spring sown crops and 1.2–3 t ha−1 in winter sown crops, with grain yield reducing by 0.5–2.1 t/ha −1 (spring) and 1.2–1.5 t ha−1 (winter) as N application was delayed. N application timing impacted spikelet and grain number per panicle in winter crops, with spring crops unaffected.The relative importance of panicle number when spring sown, and grains/panicle when winter sown, is also discussed. This paper highlights the role of N application during early developmental in increasing the yield components contributing to grain number.

Foraging microhabitat selection of Spoon-billed Sandpiper in the Upper Gulf of Mottama, Myanmar

Spoon-billed Sandpiper ( Calidris pygmaea ) is Critically Endangered, declining 9% per year since 2009; although important wintering sites have been identified, little is known about why particular sites are selected. The Gulf of Mottama, Myanmar, supports perhaps 60% of the global population in winter. Our objective was to identify macrohabitat and microhabitat characteristics of Spoon-billed Sandpiper foraging locations. We considered 1) location (relative to distance to the main channel of the gulf), 2) temporal patterns (relative to the tide cycle), 3) physical substrate characteristics and 4) possible food sources. Spoon-billed Sandpipers were observed at 26 foraging locations during the study (November 2019-March 2020). The sandpipers were found more frequently on mixed sand-mud substrate, similar to over-wintering sites in Bangladesh, and while it is likely that the mixed sand-mud substrate was generally further from the main channel than the pure sand substrate, presumably due to tidal action, we found no evidence that Spoon-billed Sandpiper locations were associated with the tide cycle. Logistic regression models indicated that foraging locations were associated with shallow surface puddles, compared to random locations. The mixed sand-mud substrate supported more polychaetes relative to crabs or insect larvae, the three most common prey types in our 442 benthos samples used to assess prey availability. Our results reinforce the point that Mottama needs to be protected as an intact functioning estuary and key site for Spoon-billed Sandpiper and other threatened shorebirds. Although we have identified some characteristics of foraging sites associated with Spoon-billed Sandpiper at Mottama, we still lack understanding as to whether and how potential prey is driving site selection and how these characteristics vary among wintering sites.

The Genomic Evolution and the Transmission Dynamics of H6N2 Avian Influenza A Viruses in Southern China

In China, the broad prevalence of H6 subtype influenza viruses, increasingly detected in aquatic birds, promotes their exchange materials with other highly pathogenic human-infecting H5N1, H5N6, and H7N9 influenza viruses. Strikingly, some H6 subtype viruses can infect pigs, dogs, and humans, posing risks to public health. In this study, 9 H6N2 viruses recovered from waterfowl species in the Guangdong province of China in 2018 were isolated and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genome sequences of these H6N2 viruses belonged to Group I, except for the NP gene in Group III. Coalescent analyses demonstrated that the reassortment of NA and NS genes have occurred in two independent clusters, suggesting H6 subtype viruses had been undergoing a complex reassortant. To examine the evolutionary dynamics and the dissemination of the H6 subtype viruses, a Bayesian stochastic search variable selection was performed for results showing higher viral migration rates between closer provinces, including Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Fujian. Notably, the transmission routes of the H6 subtype viruses were concentrated in Jiangxi Province, the most frequent location for input and output transmission and a region containing Poyang Lake, a well-known wintering site for migration birds. We also found that the aquatic birds, especially ducks, were the most common input source of the viral transmission. In addition, we also found that eight positively selected amino acid sites were identified in HA protein. Given their continuous dissemination and the broad prevalence of the H6 subtype influenza viruses, continued surveillance is warranted in the future.

Interannual Winter Site Fidelity for Yellow and Black Rails

Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) is a species of conservation concern, while the Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis) has recently been listed as Threatened. Both species winter primarily in coastal areas from Texas through North Carolina. Between-year winter site fidelities of these species have not previously been reported, so we analyzed the recapture histories of Yellow Rails banded in southeastern Oklahoma (from 2008 to 2018) and coastal Texas (from 2006 to 2018), as well as Black Rails banded in Texas from 2006 to 2018. We banded 111 Yellow Rails in Oklahoma and 421 Yellow Rails in Texas during this time, as well as 94 Black Rails in Texas. Although Yellow Rails were routinely recaptured within season, only five individuals were recaptured between years. All recaptured birds were in Texas. Black Rails likewise exhibited low interannual site fidelity, with no interannual recaptures. The apparent low interannual site fidelity of Yellow Rails (1.1% in Texas, 0% in Oklahoma) and Black Rails (0%) is similar to that reported for other grassland species wintering in grasslands in this area (e.g., LeConte’s Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii), Henslow’s Sparrow (A. henslowii), and Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris)), and we speculate that low site fidelity could potentially be advantageous for species that use early successional habitats.

A roundtrip long-distance movement within one season by a nonmigratory Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is an endangered species that historically comprised both migratory and nonmigratory populations in North America. Currently, there is one wild migratory and multiple reintroduced (both migratory and nonmigratory) populations of Whooping Cranes. Individual cranes in reintroduced populations are marked with unique color bands and transmitters, allowing for intensive monitoring throughout their lives. In spring 2011, a 6-year-old migratory female Whooping Crane separated from her migratory mate at a wintering site in Alachua County, Florida. She then began associating with a nonmigratory male Whooping Crane originally released in the same area. The 8-year-old nonmigratory male then proceeded to migrate to Wisconsin with the female in April 2011; however, upon returning to her nesting territory, the female returned to her previous mate. The Florida male remained in Wisconsin for ∼12 d before returning to Florida by 5 May, traveling at least 4,451 km in 1 month. The reason for this long-distance move may be that the Florida male crane had recently lost his mate and was hoping to pair with the migratory female. This is the first record of a Whooping Crane completing a roundtrip long-distance movement in 1 season, which raises questions about drivers of migration in cranes.

OCCURRENCE OF EUSTRONGYLIDES EXCISUS (NEMATODA:DIOCTOPHYMATIDAE) IN EUROPEAN PERCH (PERCA FLUVIATILIS) AND GREAT CORMORANT (PHALACROCORAX CARBO) IN LAKE ANNONE, NORTHERN ITALY.

The genus Eustrongylides includes zoonotic nematodes that infect fish species and fish-eating birds of freshwater ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Eustrongylides in the paratenic host Perca fluviatilis (European perch) and in the definitive host, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (great cormorant), in Lake Annone, a shallow eutrophic lake located in the pre-mountainous area of the Alps in northwest Italy where wintering cormorants coexist with new breeding colonies. A total of 114 European perch and 48 cormorants were examined for the occurrence of Eustrongylides. All parasites collected were identified with microscopic examination and molecular analysis. Overall, 11 specimens of European perch (9.6%) and 13 individuals of cormorants (27%) harbored nematodes identified as fourth-stage larvae and adults of Eustrongylides excisus. The observed prevalence of Eustrongylides spp. appears to be intermediate between the higher values in cormorant breeding areas in northern Europe and the lower prevalence observed in their wintering sites in southernmost Europe. Considering the eutrophication status of freshwater ecosystems and the increasing population of the cormorants, Eustrongylides has an increasing potential range of dispersion in Europe, including Italy; thus an extensive surveillance should be carried out, especially given the zoonotic potential of this nematode.

Climate change leads to range contraction for Japanese population of the Oriental Honey-Buzzards: Implications for future conservation strategies

Over the past decades, global environmental changes have led to unfavorable effects on migratory birds. However, many species that encounter climate change are listed as least concern by International Union for Conservation of Nature. Using species distribution models, we quantified the redistributions of breeding and wintering sites of oriental honey buzzards, OHB ( Pernis ptilorhynchus ), a long-distance migratory raptor that often preys on the larvae of wasps and bees under changing climate based on shared socio-economic pathways scenarios. We also incorporated climate and land use risks based on climate anomalies and vegetation dynamics to assess future conservation strategies. The results revealed a significant range contraction on the wintering and breeding areas of the OHB species by 2050 and 2100. Our results suggest that the migration distance will likely increase under all scenarios. In addition, we found many high-risk areas across OHB habitats while refugia areas were relatively only covered a small proportion. Habitat restoration and developing new protected areas become a fundamental strategy for OHB conservation. Our approaches have provided comprehensive insights into broad biogeographic dynamics under multifaceted threats and how to tackle global changes through the specific landscape management for long-distance migrants. • Oriental-Honey Buzzards (OHBs) is a long migratory raptor with the least concern status. • OHB will suffer a significant climate change impact by the end of the 21st century. • OHB distributions will face a significant range contraction within the wintering and breeding sites in the future. • High-risk areas across OHB habitats will increase by the climate change while refugia areas would likely shrink.

Spatial, temporal and environmental differences in concentrations of lead in the blood of Mute swans from summer and winter sites in Poland

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic pollutant and represents a serious threat to wildlife, affecting various systems in animal bodies. Especially prone to Pb poisoning are waterbirds, which may inadvertently ingest spent gunshot, fishing sinkers and contaminated sediments. This research thus focused on evaluating Pb concentrations in the blood of 170 Mute swans (Cygnus olor; a widespread species of waterbirds) at their summer (urban locations in Małopolskie and rural locations in Świętokrzyskie regions) and winter (the urban section of Wisła River in Krakow) sites in Poland (Europe). The study concentrated on comparing blood Pb concentrations according to sites and locations, verifying the influence of sex and age factors, examining the impact on hematocrit (Ht), glutathione (GSH) levels and body condition. Mean blood Pb concentrations (measured with ICP-OES) differed significantly between summer and winter sites (Regression by Maximum Likelihood Estimation (RML), p < 0.001) reaching higher values at winter sites. Concentrations did not differ from year to year (RML, p = 0.028). At summer sites, concentrations differed from location to location: swans from urban locations in Małopolskie had higher blood Pb concentrations (0.055 μg/g) than from rural Świętokrzyskie (0.008 μg/g; RML, p < 0.001). In summer and winter birds, neither sex nor age groups differed significantly the concentrations (RML, p > 0.231). Pb concentrations correlated weakly with Ht and GSH levels (Spearman test) and had no influence on body condition (proxied by scaled mass index; GLM, p = 0.246). We concluded that differences between summer and winter sites were dictated mainly by the type of habitat (rural vs. urban) that birds occupied in different seasons.

Avifauna diversity and phenology in a Ramsar site: Lake Tonga (Northeastern Algeria)

Between 2013 and 2016 we conducted an inventory and characterization of aquatic avifauna at Lake Tonga, a Ramsar site. We identified 61 species belonging to 17 families, dominated by Anatidae with 14 species. The inventoried species have different phenological status. Some are known for their regular wintering and some for their summer concentrations, while others are residents year round. Population analysis showed the presence of endangered species such as Oxyura leucocephala, Marmaronetta angustirostris and Aythya nyroca, that are protected by national and/or international laws. Bird counts showed monthly variations in total abundance and richness, peaking during winter. Peak numbers were recorded in February and January, reflecting gatherings to prepare for prenuptial migration. Analysis of diversity and equitability indices indicated that maximum values ​​were generally recorded during the pre– and post–nuptial passages (H’= 3.51 and E = 0.72). Our results reflect the importance of this wetland as a wintering site and nesting site for numerous waterbirds species.

Reduced speed limit is ineffective for mitigating the effects of roads on ungulates

AbstractRoads obstruct wildlife movements, and wildlife‐vehicle collisions are a hazard to both animals and humans. Wildlife and transportation managers often consider reducing the speed limit to reduce wildlife‐vehicle collisions, but there is little empirical data to support or refute this measure. We experimentally reduced the nighttime speed limit from 70 to 55 mph on six stretches of highway that cross mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) winter range or migration paths. Drivers consistently reduced their speeds, but only by 3–5 mi/h. Reduced speed limit did not make it any easier for deer to cross the road, indicating no benefit for habitat connectivity. At winter sites, the number of deer‐vehicle collisions was not affected by the reduced speed limit whereas at migration sites, collisions were modestly lower under the reduced speed limit. Given the small reduction in vehicle speeds, it is not surprising that there was little benefit of reduced speed limit for deer or people. We conclude that reduced nighttime speed limit is not an effective way to reduce wildlife‐vehicle collisions or make roads more permeable to wildlife due to poor compliance from motorists.

GPS tracking data reveal the annual spatiotemporal movement patterns of Bridled Terns

Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of animal movement is a central theme in the growing field of movement ecology. The Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical latitudes; however, knowledge of its annual movement is based only on relatively scarce recoveries of ringed birds. Studying the annual movement of pelagic seabirds is important to identify the impact of changes of marine habitats on them. We examined fine-scaled movement patterns of the species from two colonies in southern China by using GPS-GSM transmitters in 2018–2022. Twenty-three terns bred in Xichiyu Islet and Qilianyu Islet while wintered in four different sites: Gulf of Thailand, Natuna Islands, The Sulu Sea, and Makassar Strait. Bridled Terns made small detours and employed a fly-and-forage strategy with frequent stopovers to forage during autumn migration, but took more direct routes and reduced the need for stopovers during spring migration. Distance of migration between breeding and winter sites was significantly longer in autumn (average 3635 ​km) when compared with spring (2777 ​km). Ten birds with whole-year tracking data used the same breeding sites both years and four birds with tracking data of two consecutive years returned to the same wintering area, indicating that Bridled Terns are highly faithful to their breeding and wintering grounds.

HABITAT USE AND WINTER SITE FIDELITY OF LINCOLN’S SPARROW (MELOSPIZA LINCOLNII) IN THE LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS

HABITAT USE AND WINTER SITE FIDELITY OF LINCOLN’S SPARROW (<i>MELOSPIZA LINCOLNII</i>) IN THE LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS