K?rlis Millers
Institute of Biology, Latvian University, 3 Miera Str. LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
karlowitch@inbox.lv
This investigation deals with Sparrowhawk migration along the Eastern
coast of Baltic sea. Comparing data from Latvian as well as Estonian, Lithuanian,
Swedish and Russian bird stations, the autumn migration pattern of the
Sparrowhawk was examined.
Autumn migration of the Sparrowhawk starts in Pape approximately at
first decade of August and ends at second decade of November. Four waves of
migration have been recorded there.
According to visual censuses of Sparrowhawks in Pape (1969 ? 1999)
their long-term autumn migration dynamics is analysed. Number of
Sparrowhawks passing through Latvia seemed to increase up till 1999 and then
up till 2003 considerable decrease was observed.
Analysing the sex and age composition of Sparrowhawks passing
through Pape the following seasonal sequence was reported: 1) juvenile
females, 2) juvenile males, 3) adult females and 4) adult males. Similar
sequence was observed also in Signildskar (Finland) and Falsterbo (Sweden).
Wintering areas of Sparrowhawks ringed in Pape and those ringed in Estonia,
Lithuania indicated no significant differences and they use the same migratory
route. Some differences were found for birds passing Kaliningrad district
(Russia).
During spring migration Sparrowhawks concentrated mainly at Kolka cape and
from there continued their way to continental Estonia or isles, crossing Irbes
strait.




