there were differences between the control and construction phases in impacted
(D = 0.39, p < 0.05) and control (D = 0.32, p < 0.01) saltpans, with fewer early
nests and more late season nests in the latter. We did not find significant differences
in temporal nest distribution between the construction and the post-construction
phase in either impacted (D = 0.19, p = 0.86) or control saltpans (D = 0.18,
p = 0.40). This suggests an overall delay in nesting phenology, irrespective of
proximity to the railway.
Week
Nests (N)
0
4
8
12
0
4
8
12
0
4
8
12
0
4
8
12
Impacted
16
18
20
22
24
26
Control
16
18
20
22
24
26
2006
2008
2009
2011
Before
During construction
After
Fig. 12.3 Number of nests per week of Black-winged Stilt in impacted and control saltpans of Ria
de Aveiro (Portugal), before (2006), during (2008–2009), and after (2011) the construction of a
new railway in the study area
208
T. Múrias et al.