Response to the comments by R. Muheim, S. Akesson, and J.B. Phillips to our paper 'Contradictory results on the role of polarized light in compass calibration in migratory songbirds'

We will not respond in detail to the lengthy and speculative arguments by which Muheim et al. try to maintain the general validity of their hypothesis, although we are surprised by their negative attitude toward adaptations of birds to specific situations of their migration, in particular concerning rapid changes in declination. Instead, we will focus on some crucial points.