Possible effects of local enrichment by gulls on feeding-site selection by wintering Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis |
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Authors: | D R BAZELY P J EWINS† R H McCLEERY |
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Institution: | *Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK; ?Nature Conservancy Council, Archway House;, 7 Eastcheap, Letchworth, Herts SG6 3DG, UK |
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Abstract: | The selection of salt-marsh feeding sites by wintering Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis was investigated on Schiermonnikoog, The Netherlands. Use of sites by geese was estimated by counts of goose droppings. Geese spent significantly more time grazing in sites with evidence of Herring Gull Larus argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gull Lfuscus breeding activity than in nearby non-gull sites. The nitrogen content of red fescue grass Festuca rubra was significantly greater in gull sites. We suggest that the geese preferred to feed in these locations because of the improved nutritional value of the grass. The higher nitrogen content of F. rubra in gull sites was most likely the result of nutrient inputs from gull droppings rather than goose droppings. |
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