Notes on migration dynamics and biometry of the Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) at the sewage farm of Münster (NW-Germany)

This paper summarises results of almost daily counts of Wood Sandpiper and an extensive ringing and colour-marking scheme at the sewage farm of Munster from 1969 to 2000. In the course of this 32-year period, migration phenology tended to have advanced in spring, and delayed in autumn. While roosting numbers remained stable in spring, they decreased in autumn, which is partly attributed to changes of the local habitat quality. A total of 1432 Wood Sandpipers were ringed and measured. Analysis of biometric data revealed larger wing and tail length in juveniles due to feather wear in adults, whereas bill and nalospi were longer in adult birds. In spring, birds had longer wings and tails, but lower body mass than adults caught in autumn. While birds with active primary moult have so far hardly been reported from other sites in Central Europe, our data indicate that a low number of birds regularly start moult of remiges at an early stage of autumn migration. Recoveries indicate that birds passing through Munster take a more south-westerly route than generally assumed for Central European migrants. A bird ringed at Munster is to our knowledge the oldest known individual of the species (at least 11-years-old).