Variations in mid-winter weights of Moray Basin waders in relation to temperature

Abstract
Swann. R. L. and Etheridge, B. 1989. Variations in mid-winter weights of Moray Basin waders in relation to temperature. Ring. & Migr. 10: 1–8. Waders caught on the Moray Basin in winter show seasonal peak weights in December or January with declines between January and March. In adult Oystercatchers. Redshanks and Knots weights in mid-winter showed significant negative correlations with mean temperatures prior to the catch. Recaptured individuals showed similar trends to the population as a whole. The data suggest that even on one of Britain's coldest estuaries, wader's are able to regulate winter body weights according to seasonal and short-term needs.