Reitsma, Job (2026) Ruddy turnstones preparing for spring migration in the Wadden Sea. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.
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Abstract
Waders are put under pressure due to human induced effects. Stopover sites are of great importance for many migrating waders and time spent at these is precisely integrated in their migratory journey. Climatic changes disrupt these precise timings and lead to the decline of many species of waders worldwide. More insights about this crucial period for the waders could be useful to better coop with this species decline. We tested how ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres interpres) progress in moulting and body mass gain during the premigratory season in the Wadden Sea. From video recordings (from spring 2026) we assigned plumage scores and abdominal profiles to describe the extent of moulting and fattening throughout the season to better grasp the energy investments. Life stages were later also integrated to detect differences between adult and juvenile turnstones in their preparations. Most adults reached the highest fat and moult scores at the end of May when they were last observed at Schiermonnikoog. Within the whole population (both adults and juveniles) body mass gain occurred faster than moulting. Juveniles moulted and fattened significantly less than adults did which can be explained by their lack of experience and the fact that they do not need sufficient preparations as they often do not migrate and breed.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Lameris, T.K. and Buesink, S.P. |
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jun 2026 12:07 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jun 2026 12:07 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/37319 |
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