Increased breeding of lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) in the late winter of 1966 in the Elbe valley near Hamburg

Abstract

After a cold spell with snowfall from 12 to 16 April 1966, the breeding population in the study area increased compared to 1965 and 1967; in one sub-area, it tripled. Suboptimal biotopes were also occupied. The reason for this is thought to be that the breeding instinct, which replaced the migratory instinct, caused the migrants to breed near Hamburg. Despite daily average temperatures around 0 °C (minimum temperature - 1.50 °C) on six days, the lapwings continued to breed successfully. At the beginning of May, the first young lapwings were found, as in years with normal weather conditions.