An Adaptation of Wintering Water Birds to Man-Made Weirs in Relation to the Freeze–Thaw Process in Tancheon Stream, Korea

TL;DR

Wintering water birds adapt to man-made weirs in urban streams by using thawed areas created by freeze-thaw processes in Korea.

Contribution

This study reveals how man-made weirs influence bird habitats through freeze-thaw dynamics in urban streams.

Findings

Thawed areas near weir drop structures correlate with higher bird abundance during severe cold.

Stagnant water behind weirs freezes easily, limiting bird use of these areas in winter.

Birds adapt to man-made weirs by utilizing specific thawed zones in urban streams.

Abstract

Man-made weirs control summer flooding, but also provide diverse habitats for wintering water birds through the freeze–thaw process in urban streams.

The roles of man-made weirs in flood control during the summer monsoon are well-known, but the function of habitats for wintering water birds has not been explored. This study examined the effects of man-made weirs on the wintering distribution of water birds in Tancheon Stream, Korea, with a focus on the impact of the freeze–thaw process. Data collected from January to February 2003 included thawed water surface ratios, water depths, sandbar areas, and bird distribution under different weather conditions. The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between thawed surface areas in front of the weir’s drop structures and the abundance of dabbling and diving water birds during severe cold conditions with temperatures below −9 °C. However, it was also observed that the stagnant water impounded by the weirs tended to freeze easily in winter, making it difficult for water birds to inhabit those areas. These results suggest an adaptation of wintering water birds to man-made weirs in urban streams, providing significant insights for enhancing habitat functions in urban stream management.

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