Interactive effects of time and vegetation on reproductionof redshanks ( Tringa totanus) breeding in Wadden Sea salt marshes

As shown for various species, nesting waders are non-randomly distributed on wetlands and preferentially select riparian nest-sites adjacent to limnic or marine waterbodies. Studying the redshank Tringa totanus, we tested the hypotheses that, in a coastal wader species which conceals its clutch in vegetation, predation and hatching success are a.ected by vegetation zonation, and that breeding in lower salt marsh areas has negative consequences for reproduction. We further predicted e.ects of timing of breeding and breeding experience/age of adults potentially re.ected by egg biometrics both on nest-site selection and reproduction. E.ects of vegetation, space, time and individual quality on hatching success of redshanks were studied in the German part of the Wadden Sea.

S. Thyen, K.-M. Exo, J Ornithol (2005) 146: 215-225