The ornithological institutes and bird ringing activities in West Germany

Abstract

Reported here are the systems and activities of "die Vogelwarten" in West Germany, visited by the author in May-June 1977. These ornithological institutes are in Helgoland, Wilhelmshaven, and Radolfzell.
Bird-ringing began in Germany from 1903, using the rings of Vogelwarte Rossitten. Now, two kinds of rings are used in West Germany. One is for the northen regions and the other is for the southern. Annually, more than 370.000 (individuals of) birds are ringed by about 770 amateur ringers.
At the Vogelwarte Helgoland, using the well-known Helgoland-traps and several other traps (for Doves, Crows and Sparrows), elaborate research is being carried out throughout the year.
The Institute for Ornithology of Wilhelmshaven acts as one of the two bird-ringing centers in West Germany. At this institute are studied behavior of gulls and discriminating ability of Oystercatcher in laboratory.
Also I visited to Vogelwarte Radolfzell, the other birdringing center. Near the Vogelwarte, thare is the Mettnau bird ringing station, which belongs to a long-term bird ringing and research program (Mettnau-Reit-Illmitz program). The aim of this program is to study not only migration but also many other items; population dynamics, biorhythmic, research for ecosystems and methodology.
I would like to thank heartily Dr. G. Vauk, Dr. D. Moritz and Mr. E. Sohonart of Helgoland, Dr. W. Winkel and Mr. H. Rogall of Wilhelmshaven, Dr. G. Zink, Dr. P. Becker, Dr. J. Hölzinger and Mr. F. Bairlein of Radolfzell, and also all the others at the three Vogelwarten, for their very kind hospitality given to us during our stay.