Introduction to the topic
Kalvebod Fælled, a state-managed reserve near Copenhagen created from reclaimed land, is an important habitat for many breeding bird species, both locally and at regional and international levels.
Among these is the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), a species experiencing a steady decline across its breeding range. Habitat destruction and intensified agriculture are regarded as the main drivers of this decline (Plard et al., 2019), as these factors reduce arthropod abundance, which is vital for chick survival (Litovska et al., 2025).
Recently, a volunteer caretaker group at Kalvebod Fælled made their observations and records publicly available, revealing a marked increase in the breeding numbers of Northern Lapwing in the area (Tümmler-Hellesen, 2024). The management practices in place at this location appear to be beneficial for Lapwings.
This positive trend makes Kalvebod Fælled an interesting location to study the breeding success of lapwings. Can we document this success to support the managers and guide future efforts by identifying and sharing insights into factors driving this positive trend?
Project details
The research will focus on finding nests, monitoring their progress, and determining how many successfully hatch. Depending on permissions currently being applied for, we will investigate this topic in more depth. Even simple activities like observation of nest attendance and visiting nests after they have been abandoned (which don’t require special permissions) can provide valuable insights.
Through this study, Research Assistants will gain hands-on experience in fieldwork methodologies, citizen science, habitat management, project design and data analysis. The findings will contribute to progress reports, research presentations, and potentially a news publication in a local ornithological journal (subject to editorial approval).
If, after several work seasons, the study yields material suitable for a scientific publication, all research assistants will be invited to contribute and co-author it.
Research Assistantship Hours
You will spend 180 hours directly engaged in research, together with 20 hours in co-curricular activities, during your RAship.
Field Studies: Culture & Language
As a co-curricular complement to your summer research, you will meet every Wednesday, together with faculty from the DIS European Humanities program, for a 6-week introduction to culture and language in Copenhagen.
Additional application required
You will need to submit an additional research application through the Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.
Before you submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.
All application materials must be submitted by 23:59 Central European Time on March 15.
Faculty
Jannik Hansen
FacultyM.Sc. (Wader/shorebird breeding ecology and behavioural ecology), Dept. of Animal Behaviour, Copenhagen University, 2001. Scientific officer at Arctic Ecosystem Ecology, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University (2004-2021), incl. monitoring field work at Zackenberg Research Station, Northeast Greenland (2005-2021). Project officer (2014- ) for and board member (2007- ) of the International Wader Study Group. Has worked with terrestrial animals, primarily shorebirds, in the field in, Denmark, Sweden, Northeast Greenland, central Norway, and Svalbard. With DIS since 2021.
More information about your Research Assistantship
Learn more about the Labs, Research, and Practicums Summer Session.