Slovenian monitoring of bird species in 2023 and monitoring synthesis 2021-2023

In 2023, monitoring of 17 Natura 2000 qualifying species (Special Protection Areas ) was carried out: Alauda arvensis, Alcedo atthis, Alectoris graeca saxatilis, Aythya nyroca, Bubo bubo, Caprimulgus europaeus, Ciconia ciconia, Crex crex, Dendrocopos medius, Emberiza hortulana, Lanius minor, Lullula arborea, Numenius arquata, Otus scops, Picoides tridactylus, Sterna hirundo and Sylvia Niria. The censuses are carried out mainly in accordance with the protocols in Rubinič (2004) or with the protocols supplemented in subsequent monitoring reports. For each type, results are given, which are interpreted in the discussion. For each species, compliance with the census protocol as set out in Rubinič (2004) or amended in subsequent monitoring reports is discussed. Uncertain trends of some qualifying species are a consequence of a short time series, large time intervals between censuses, large fluctuations in abundance or a small number of counted specimens. Trends of the following species monitored in 2023 are uncertain: Eurasian Skylark Rock, Partridge, Ferruginous Duck, Corncrake, White Stork, Lesser Grey Shrike, Three-toed Woodpecker and Common Tern. Bird species in moderate decline are the Corncrake, Lesser Grey Shrike, Woodlark, Scops Owl and Barred Warbler. Bird species in steep decline are the Corncrake, Ortolan Bunting, Eurasian Curlew and Barred Warbler. A stable trend is shown for the Kingfisher, Ferruginous Duck, Eagle Owl, White Stork, Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Woodlark, Three-toed Woodpecker and Barred Warbler. A moderate increase is assessed for the Rock Partridge, European Nightjar and White Stork. A steep increase is shown for the European Nightjar.