JUKEMA J & HULSCHER JB (1988) Recovery rate of ringed Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria in relation to the severity of the winter. LIMOSA 61 (2): 85-90.

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria In this paper the recovery pattern of Golden Plovers ringed in the Netherlands is analysed in relation to the severity of the winter. First the general annual distribution pattern in Europe and North Africa, deduced from recoveries (tab. I), and the types of recoveries (tab. 2) are presented, and subsequently the annual migration pattern in the Netherlands as deduced from monthly catches in NW. Friesland pooled over the years 1976-85 is given (fig. I). The severity of the winter is indicated by the Hellman figure, being the sum of the mean daily temperature for all days of the year when this temperature is below 0 0 C. The recovery percentages from France to North Africa were higher in cold than in mild winters for the period 1980-85 (tab. 4), and recovery percentages and minimum temperatures for single months in December-February were positively correlated (fig. 3). An analysis over the last 25 winters also revealed a positive relationship between recovery percentages and Hellman figures (fig. 5A). This relationship could be substantially improved by making distinction between early and late winters, using the mean daily minimum temperature over December as criterion (fig. 5B). It is concluded that the recovery rate of Golden Plovers is directly correlated with the date and severity pattern of the winter weather. Early invading and long lasting frost periods force the Golden Plovers to leave the relatively safe wintering areas in the Netherlands early and to stay for longer periods in the dangerous southern winter quarters, where the chance to get shot is so much higher

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