100 years of Vogelwarte: celebrating bird science 

Understanding changes in species abundance and distribution requires detailed knowledge of demography and how it is influenced by the environment. A particular challenge for studies in this area is imperfect detection, which can be addressed by specific sampling protocols and statistical models. In this session, Res Altwegg (University of Cape Town) will talk about how species checklist data are used to model the distribution of South African bird species. Rob Robinson (British Trust for Ornithology, BTO) will show how the BTO uses data collected by birders to understand changes in bird populations. Ellen Martin and Marc Kéry (Vogelwarte) will illustrate the link between demography and population change, and Ricardo Carrizo (Vogelwarte) will show novel approaches to understanding individual movements from abundance data. Finally, Michael Schaub (Vogelwarte) will demonstrate the use of demographic models to assess the future management of reintroduced bearded vultures in the Alps.

In a fast-changing world, understanding the ecological mechanisms underlying avian population dynamics is key to predict future changes in species distribution and to develop species conservation plans. Environmental factors act on reproduction, survival, and dispersal behaviour to shape demography and genetic characteristics of populations. Marion Nicolaus (Groningen University) will open the session by addressing dispersal in the context of behavioural syndromes. Then, we will give four insights into the broad range of studies conducted in the “Ecological Research Unit” of Vogelwarte. Ying-Chi Chan will talk about the lunar cycle as an underestimated factor driving dispersal behaviour in a nocturnal raptor. Benedetta Catitti will unravel the mechanisms of how conditions in the nest translate to later life-history stages affecting survival of individuals in a long-lived diurnal raptor. Fränzi Korner and Sebastian Dirren will present ecological mechanisms associated with reproduction and survival in a high-elevation specialist songbird. Finally, Reto Burri will give a deep insight into genetic mechanisms resulting in convergent plumage coloration in closely related songbird species.

Bird migration, a fascinating natural phenomenon, is now rapidly being unveiled through method advancements for its study. Bird tracking and radar observation enable deeper insights into migration of individuals and into environmental factors affecting aerial movement, respectively. DNA-based methods give unprecedented insights into evolution and regulation of migration. Still, avian migrants show particularly fast declines, a process that must be halted across their distribution range. Kristen Ruegg (Colorado State University) will first present how genetic information can be used to identify anthropogenic impacts on the demography of migratory birds. Hazell Thompson, a conservationist and former Director at BirdLife International, then addresses migrant conservation from an African perspective. Baptiste Schmid, Christoph Meier and Martins Briedis from Vogelwarte will finish by demonstrating the strengths of radar monitoring and individual tracking.

Different bird species exhibit distinct environmental requirements and are susceptible to local but also large-scale population changes. Species composition and population developments serve as valuable indicators of environmental conditions and reflect how humans impact nature. With a growing community of skilled birdwatchers with excellent identification skills, birds are predestined to serve as indicators, offering insights into environmental states and changes. Bird monitoring, often conducted through the efforts of citizen scientists in the field, has become widespread. The findings attract significant public attention, spanning from individuals to governmental bodies. Ruud Foppen (Radboud University, former Chairman of the European Bird Census Council EBCC) will delve into the history of bird monitoring and its growing significance. Alison Johnston (University of St. Andrews) will shed light on a new ecological monitoring paradigm emerging from the availability of extensive bird observation data collected by citizen scientists. Samuel Wechsler, Nicolas Strebel, and Thomas Sattler (Vogelwarte) will highlight recent innovations in collecting and processing of bird monitoring data.

We have entered the era of the Anthropocene, marked by a significant increase in the impact of human activity on the planet’s climate and ecosystems. No bird species now escapes the direct or indirect effects of human activities, and it is therefore becoming essential to be able to quantify and understand these impacts, as well as to put in place mitigation strategies. In this session, Davide Dominoni (University of Glasgow) will talk about the many consequences of life in an urban environment on the biology of birds, and more specifically about the effects of artificial light at night on biological rhythms, whereas Danny Karp (University of California, Davis) will talk about methods for harmonising bird conservation with food production. Pierre Bize and Bettina Almasi (Vogelwarte) will then be presenting the challenges facing the newly created “Anthropogenic Effects Unit” in quantifying the exposure of birds to stress factors of human origin and in understanding their consequences on bird health and fitness. Finally, Urs Kormann and Matthias Vögeli (Vogelwarte) will explain how the newly created “Applied Ecology Unit” aims to use scientific knowledge and ecological principles to mitigate human impact on bird populations.

• By train, travel up to Sursee, and then take Bus 84 (direction Sempach) up to the bus stop “Sempach Stadt, Luzernertor”. The venue is 3 minutes from the bus stop.
• Alternatively, take the train to Sempach-Neuenkirch and then take Bus 84 (direction Sempach Stadt, Hültschern) or Bus 88 (direction Hochdorf, Bahnhof) or Bus 89 (Direction Gunzwil, Bäch) up to the bus stop “Sempach Stadt, Luzernertor”. The venue is 3 min walk from the bus stop, or 30 min walk from Sempach-Neuenkirch train station

Hotels can be found in Sempach Station (birdlodge.ch, likely limited space), Sursee and Lucerne.