the vistula river biodiversity - comenius project

XX LO Gdańsk PolandNatural Treasures of Europe

VistulaThe mysterious river


Some facts about Vistula• Vistula is the longest and the most

important river in Poland, at 1,047 km in length.

• The Vistula has its source at Barania Góra in the south of Poland. It flows over the vast Polish plains, passing several large Polish cities along its way.

• It empties into the Vistula Lagoon or directly into the Gdańsk Bay of the Baltic Sea with a delta and several branches .


Characteristics

• The Vistula has a low degree of regulation. As a result, its current is not completely focused. Along side of the river little brooks separate parts of ground from the mainstream and make the islands.A wide stream forms numerous small islands.In the mainstream and form his riverside sandy places. These are the specific habitats, irreplaceable for certain species of birds.


Vegetation

• The natural type of flora near the stream of the river are willow riparian forests. Now they are in not too large fragments. Often these are youthful forests.In addition to the willows there are many other species, such as Euonymus.

• In many places, forests and thickets have been removed and in their place created specific places to the valley meadows.An important element is the old river beds where water vegetation is growing and inland dunes with grasslands.


Oystercatcher

• Oystercatcher ranges from 39–50 cm in length and 72–91 cm in wingspan and weighs about 600 g.

• The plumage of all species is either all-black, or black on top and white underneath. They are large, with massive long orange or red bills used for smashing or prying open molluscs.

• They show sexual dimorphism, with females being longer-billed and heavier than males.

• All species of oystercatcher are generally monogamous and territorial during the breeding season. The eggs are spotted and cryptic, a female can abolish between one to four eggs at a time.


Bittern

• The Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae..

• Bitterns feed on fish, eels, amphibians and invertebrates, hunting along the reed margins in shallow water.

• Males are polygamous with each mating with up to five females. The nest is built in the previous year's standing reeds . Four or five eggs are laid in late March and April. After hatching, the chicks spend about two weeks in the nest and then disperse amongst the reeds.

• Bittern is usually well-hidden in reedbeds. Usually solitary, it walks stealthily seeking fish, frogs, small mammals and insects. If it senses that it has been seen, it becomes motionless, with its bill pointed upward, causing it to blend into the reeds. It is most active at dawn and dusk.


Little Grebe

• The Little Grebe also known as Dabchick, a member of the grebe family of water birds. At 23 to 29 cm in length it is the smallest European member of its family. It is commonly found in open bodies of water across most of its range.

• The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place.

• Like all grebes, it nests at the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Usually four to seven eggs are laid. When the adult bird leaves the nest it usually takes care to cover the eggs with weeds. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching, and chicks are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults.


Common Crane• The Common Crane also known as the Eurasian

Crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the cranes.

• It breeds in wetlands in northern parts of Europe and Asia.

• It is a long distance migrant wintering in Africa , southern Europe, and southern Asia. Migrating flocks fly in a V formation.

• It is omnivorous, eating leaves, roots, berries (including notably the cranberry, which is probably named after the species), insects, small birds and mammals.


And now we prepared a little quiz for you!

Try to recall species of birds from sounds and pictures


OystercatcherXX LO Gdańsk Poland

Natural Treasures of Europe

Little GrebeXX LO Gdańsk Poland



BitternXX LO Gdańsk Poland


Thanks for watching!

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.


the vistula river biodiversity - comenius project

Technology

southern europe

south of poland

gdask bay

northern parts of europe

natural type of flora

vistula vistula

little grebe

species of oystercatcher