Ornithology Unit

Main research area concerns ecology and ecophysiology of avian seasonal migration, particularly migratory strategies of waterbirds and shorebirds within Palearctic. Our studies focus on phenology, stopovering, population composition, intra- and interspecific competition, resource partitioning as well as individual condition based on hematological and physiological measures. Moreover we monitor waterbird populations wintering in the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic). These two groups of birds are very sensitive to global changes , like degradation, fragmentation and loss of water, wetland and tundra habitats, global warming, pollution therefore the results of the studies involving those birds are often used to monitor and mitigate these impacts and develop effective conservation strategies. We conduct our field studies in the area of the Gulf of Gdańsk, where data on shorebird and waterbird abundance have been collected since 1984. In recent years, we have also been investigating aspects of the behavioural ecology of ducks, including the long-tailed duck wintering in the Gulf of Gdańsk and mallards from urban populations. As we have extensive data from past projects and more ideas than opportunities to pursue them, we are looking for students and PhD candidates interested in joining us for short-term internships or thesis work.