Papers by Roland-Jan Buijs
Journal of ornithology, Apr 21, 2012
On the species level, the non-breeding distribution and the migration patterns of most European b... more On the species level, the non-breeding distribution and the migration patterns of most European birds are well known. In contrast, the knowledge of the contribution of different breeding populations to particular nonbreeding sites (migratory connectivity) is far more limited. We studied the non-breeding distribution of individually colour-ringed Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus graellsii) from Iceland and sought information on their migration pattern in respect to other populations (leap-frog, chain migration, random mix). Most winter resightings (94%) were from the southern part of the known winter range (Iberian Peninsula and northwest Africa). No statistical difference was found according to age on the latitudinal winter distribution, although 1st winter birds were on average 2°further south. Both 2nd and 3rd calendar year (cy) birds performed a northward spring migration,but spent the summer at lower latitudes than adults. The autumn migration for adults was earlier compared with 1st cy birds. A comparison of resightings of birds ringed in Iceland and in two projects from the Netherlands showed that these populations are not likely to contribute much to the wintering population in the UK. The proportion of winter resightings from Icelandic and Dutch populations showed that 44-65% were from the Iberian Peninsula. However, Dutch birds were much more likely to be seen in France (18-48 vs. 0.4%), but Icelandic birds were more likely to be seen in Africa (29 vs. 6-16%). These results indicate that Icelandic birds to some extent leapfrog more southerly populations.
De Levende Natuur, 2017
Je kunt er de klok op gelijk zetten: ieder jaar in de zomer haalt overlast door meeuwen (Zilverme... more Je kunt er de klok op gelijk zetten: ieder jaar in de zomer haalt overlast door meeuwen (Zilvermeeuw (Larus argentatus) en Kleine mantelmeeuw (Larus fuscus)) ergens in Nederland de pers en politiek. Afgelopen jaar was dat onder meer in Alkmaar. Wat is hier aan de hand en hoe is dit te voorkomen? Meeuwenoverlast is een ingewikkeld vraagstuk waar veel misverstanden over bestaan. In diverse gemeenten zijn er jaarlijks terugkerende klachten over overlast. Deze overlast kan lokaal heel hinderlijk zijn-geluid, mest, duikvluchten-met name in het zomerseizoen wanneer veel mensen buiten zijn. De vogels zijn echter wettelijk beschermd en met name de Zilvermeeuw is een soort die zowel in Nederland als Europees hard in aantal achteruit gaat. Een duurzame oplossing is dus noodzakelijk. Bij het zoeken naar een oplossing wordt door gemeenten vaak een begrijpelijke denkfout gemaakt. Verondersteld wordt dat de overlast kan worden aangepakt door het aanpakken van dakbroedende meeuwen. Onderzoek heeft aangetoond dat dit niet het geval is. Sterker nog, omdat veel meeuwen trekvogels zijn, duiken zelfs meeuwen uit Noord-en Oost-Europa-de verste uit Rusland-op in onze steden op zoek naar voedsel (data N. Huig & R. van Oosteroom). Zo blijkt het dat het ieder seizoen om andere meeuwen gaat. Er is feitelijk sprake van een tweeledig probleem. Enerzijds zijn er de foeragerende meeuwen in de buurt van dorpen en steden, anderzijds de (schijn)aanvallen van dakbroedende, adulte meeuwen die hun jongen beschermen. Daar moet rekening mee worden gehouden bij het bestrijden van de overlast. Een goede aanpak dient dus aan het lokale probleem te worden gekoppeld om effectief te zijn.
Marine Biology, 2018
Tracking devices are increasingly used to monitor individual movement patterns continuously and i... more Tracking devices are increasingly used to monitor individual movement patterns continuously and in high resolution. However, carrying a device could potentially compromise an individual's physiology or behaviour, thereby making tracking data unreliable for detailed behavioural measurements. To this end, we assessed the possible consequences of the application of GPS devices on offspring development in an opportunistic seabird species, the lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), by comparing the growth and survival of nestlings of which none, one or both parents were equipped with a GPS device. We found that the developmental trajectories of the nestlings were not affected, and there were no differences in skeletal size and body mass at the fledging stage. A lack of negative effects on offspring development strongly suggests that the parental behaviour, and thus likely the foraging behaviour, did not differ between tagged and non-tagged individuals. The evidence that GPS data can be used to reliably study parental care, as well as other aspects of the bird's behaviour, opens up new possibilities to study behavioural and evolutionary ecological questions in ever-increasing resolution.
Scientific Reports, 2018
Sex-, size- or age-dependent variation in migration strategies in birds is generally expected to ... more Sex-, size- or age-dependent variation in migration strategies in birds is generally expected to reflect differences in competitive abilities. Theoretical and empirical studies thereby focus on differences in wintering areas, by which individuals may benefit from avoiding food competition during winter or ensuring an early return and access to prime nesting sites in spring. Here, we use GPS tracking to assess sex- and size-related variation in the spatial behaviour of adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus) throughout their annual cycle. We did not find sex- or size-dependent differences in wintering area or the timing of spring migration. Instead, sexual differences occurred prior to, and during, autumn migration, when females strongly focussed on agricultural areas. Females exhibited a more protracted autumn migration strategy, hence spent more time on stopover sites and arrived 15 days later at their wintering areas, than males. This shift in habitat use and protracted aut...
Bird Study, 2016
Capsule: Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus breeding 30 km from the coast in the Netherlands ... more Capsule: Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus breeding 30 km from the coast in the Netherlands focussed entirely on terrestrial food sources and reached relatively high breeding success. Aim: To gain insight in the foraging ecology, habitat use and breeding performance of inlandbreeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Methods: We received data from seven birds fitted with global positioning system (GPS) loggers. The colony was frequently visited to collect pellets and boluses and to monitor reproductive success, mortality and growth rate of chicks. Results: The GPS data revealed that mainly terrestrial habitats were used, 98% of these GPS positions were within 25 km of the colony. Refuse dumps were the most preferred sites, but also agricultural fields and freshwater bodies were often visited. Only two of the 710 recorded trips were directed to the North Sea. The pellet and bolus analyses confirmed the GPS data: no marine food remains were found. Breeding success of birds in the enclosure was relatively high, with 90% of eggs hatched and 51% of chicks fledged (1.6 chicks/pair). Conclusions: Relying on terrestrial food is feasible when sources are available in the vicinity of the colony. We conclude that Lesser Black-backed Gulls could theoretically shift towards inland breeding after a fishery discards ban.
Marine Biology, Apr 13, 2018
Tracking devices are increasingly used to monitor individual movement patterns continuously and i... more Tracking devices are increasingly used to monitor individual movement patterns continuously and in high resolution. However, carrying a device could potentially compromise an individual's physiology or behaviour, thereby making tracking data unreliable for detailed behavioural measurements. To this end, we assessed the possible consequences of the application of GPS devices on offspring development in an opportunistic seabird species, the lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), by comparing the growth and survival of nestlings of which none, one or both parents were equipped with a GPS device. We found that the developmental trajectories of the nestlings were not affected, and there were no differences in skeletal size and body mass at the fledging stage. A lack of negative effects on offspring development strongly suggests that the parental behaviour, and thus likely the foraging behaviour, did not differ between tagged and non-tagged individuals. The evidence that GPS data can be used to reliably study parental care, as well as other aspects of the bird's behaviour, opens up new possibilities to study behavioural and evolutionary ecological questions in ever-increasing resolution.
Journal of Ornithology, 2012
On the species level, the non-breeding distribution and the migration patterns of most European b... more On the species level, the non-breeding distribution and the migration patterns of most European birds are well known. In contrast, the knowledge of the contribution of different breeding populations to particular nonbreeding sites (migratory connectivity) is far more limited. We studied the non-breeding distribution of individually colour-ringed Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus graellsii) from Iceland and sought information on their migration pattern in respect to other populations (leap-frog, chain migration, random mix). Most winter resightings (94%) were from the southern part of the known winter range (Iberian Peninsula and northwest Africa). No statistical difference was found according to age on the latitudinal winter distribution, although 1st winter birds were on average 2°further south. Both 2nd and 3rd calendar year (cy) birds performed a northward spring migration,but spent the summer at lower latitudes than adults. The autumn migration for adults was earlier compared with 1st cy birds. A comparison of resightings of birds ringed in Iceland and in two projects from the Netherlands showed that these populations are not likely to contribute much to the wintering population in the UK. The proportion of winter resightings from Icelandic and Dutch populations showed that 44-65% were from the Iberian Peninsula. However, Dutch birds were much more likely to be seen in France (18-48 vs. 0.4%), but Icelandic birds were more likely to be seen in Africa (29 vs. 6-16%). These results indicate that Icelandic birds to some extent leap-frog more southerly populations.
Bird Study, 2016
Capsule: Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus breeding 30 km from the coast in the Netherlands ... more Capsule: Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus breeding 30 km from the coast in the Netherlands focussed entirely on terrestrial food sources and reached relatively high breeding success. Aim: To gain insight in the foraging ecology, habitat use and breeding performance of inlandbreeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Methods: We received data from seven birds fitted with global positioning system (GPS) loggers. The colony was frequently visited to collect pellets and boluses and to monitor reproductive success, mortality and growth rate of chicks. Results: The GPS data revealed that mainly terrestrial habitats were used, 98% of these GPS positions were within 25 km of the colony. Refuse dumps were the most preferred sites, but also agricultural fields and freshwater bodies were often visited. Only two of the 710 recorded trips were directed to the North Sea. The pellet and bolus analyses confirmed the GPS data: no marine food remains were found. Breeding success of birds in the enclosure was relatively high, with 90% of eggs hatched and 51% of chicks fledged (1.6 chicks/pair). Conclusions: Relying on terrestrial food is feasible when sources are available in the vicinity of the colony. We conclude that Lesser Black-backed Gulls could theoretically shift towards inland breeding after a fishery discards ban.
Uploads
Papers by Roland-Jan Buijs