Распределение чаек в летний период в лососевой речной экосистеме Тауй-Чёломджа-Кава (Тауйская губа, Охотское море)

Based on the results of two-year surveys, data on the number and distribution of gulls on the largest river in the Tauy Bay are presented. The distribution of gull species in early summer is associated with the location of their nesting sites. It changes sharply after the mass arrival of Pacific salmon to spawn. A relatively small number of birds move upriver and remain at the spawning grounds. Mass trophic migrations, as on the largest rivers in Kamchatka, are not observed. The presence of bears on the rivers is an additional natural factor expanding the feeding opportunities for gulls. The distribution of two large gull species, - the Slaty-backed and Vega Gulls, was similar to that previously described for those in the Southern part of the Koryak Highlands: the first completely dominates the lower reaches, partially rising to the nesting sites of the Vega Gull, while the second does not descend below the middle reaches of the river.