BIRD MONITORING AT ZACKENBERG, NORTHEAST GREENLAND, 20091, 2

摘要: In 2009, monitoring continued of bird populations in a 15.8 km2 designated area at Zackenberg Research Station in central Northeast Greenland. Results are presented and compared with those from previous seasons (1995–2008). Despite the extremely limited spring snow cover in 2009, nest initiation was early for Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and Red Knot (Calidris canutus), very early in Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpes), and close to average in Sanderling (Calidris alba). The all-wader nest success was extremely low in 2009. The mean wader clutch size was 3.91, which is a little above average. The total number of Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) broods was nine, while the maximum number of goslings seen at any one time was only three. The mean brood size remained low throughout the season. This season was one of the four latest seasons in nest initiation for Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus), based on only two nests found. The low number of skua nests also reflected the low density of lemmings in the valley. This season the second lowest number of lemming winter nests ever was registered.