Habitat use by waterbirds in wetlands during winter and spring – a study of five wetlands in Halmstad, Sweden

Abstract: During December-April in 2016/2017, five wetlands in near proximity to the city of Halmstad and four stretches along the stream Trönningeån were investigated regarding their use by birds during winter and spring. At one of the wetlands it was investigated whether non-entry rules are set accordingly to the breeding period. Furthermore, the recreational values of two of the wetlands were calculated. The five wetlands were used by a total of 37 species during the months December-April and they were occupied by mainly the same bird species with a few exceptions, showing some differences in numbers of individuals and species composition depending on wetland. The wetlands seemed to be of importance for a few wintering species as there were at least 12 species and 190 individuals at the near-coastal wetland Trönninge ängar during months December-February. The inland wetland Stjärnarps norra våtmark attracted 6 species and a surprising amount of 153 individuals during the same period. Especially the near-coastal wetlands also created for bird purposes (Trönninge ängar and Larssons våtmark) served as very important spots for migrating birds and were visited by a large number of species and attracted 1531 and 1314 individuals between months March-April. The no-entry rules regarding Trönninge ängar seemed to be up-to-date in terms of when the birds show signs of breeding. The recreational value was calculated to be almost three times higher for Trönninge ängar than for Larssons våtmark. The turnover rate for the birds in two of the wetlands showed some differences and/or patterns regarding how and when different bird species use the wetlands.