MMBI RAS Ornithology and Parasitology Laboratory Principal Researcher, Professor Natalia Lebedeva, returned on May 15th from the Veselovskoye Reservoir (Rostov Region), where she conducts regular observations of the migration and reproduction of waterfowl and shorebirds.
While the Arctic geese are just arriving at their breeding grounds, the local Greylag Geese already have broods of different ages. The first goslings appeared early in the beginning of April, yet some geese are still incubating their clutches. The spring was characterized by drought and contrasting temperatures, which, combined with many factors, has resulted in an extended breeding season not only for the Greylag Goose but also for ducks. Many Mallards that started breeding early have already hatched their chicks, and some are already on nests. Repeated breeding attempts have been noted in individuals that lost their early clutches for various reasons. In April and May, 68 ducks were captured, 60 of them were ringed, and eight recoveries were obtained from them.
As in the previous year, the Red-crested Pochard was the dominant nesting species in some parts of the reservoir, forming both its own clutches and mixed clutches with other species.
In mid-May, the formation of flocks of non-breeding geese was observed; these geese are preparing to fly to their molting grounds away from the breeding area. Knowledge about the biology and ecology of these species will allow for a better understanding of how different species respond to climate change, extreme weather conditions, and anthropogenic factors.
Photo by Natalia Lebedeva
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| Greylag geese with goslings of different ages | |
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| A pair of red-crested Pochards | Common tern on its nest |
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| Shelduck | Black-winged Stilt |
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| A ringed female red-crested pochard | |
