Breeding of rare waders in České Budějovice area (South Bohemia, Czech Republic) during first decade of 21st century with the significant year 2007
Abstract
Breeding records of five wader species: Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) and Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) in years from 2001 to 2010 in České Budějovice area (South Bohemia, Czech Republic) are summarised in this paper. The year 2007 was important for lower water levels in fishponds.
The flat muddy bottoms of fishponds provided interesting breeding possibilities for waders. This situation was especially suitable for Black-winged Stilt and Pied Avocet.
These species generally don't breed in this area under normal climatic conditions. Two pairs of both species successfully bred in 2007.
The Common Redshank also bred in higher numbers 9-12 pairs in 2007 (numbers during the whole decade for the same area were between 2-12 breeding pairs). There was no confirmed record of breeding in Eurasian Curlew during 2001-2010, but there were many more observations of them during the breeding period in suitable breeding biotopes in 2007.
On the contrary, the year 2007 was the worst for Black-tailed Godwit - only 3 breeding pairs (numbers during the whole decade for the same area were between 3-9 breeding pairs). Ethological notes about breeding in 2007 and possibilities of rare wader conservation in České Budějovice area are further discussed.