Broedsucces van kustbroedvogels in de Waddenzee in 2014

Summary

Data have been collected on the breeding success of several characteristic coastal breeding birds in theWadden Sea each year since 2005. Ten birds species considered representative of specific habitats and foodgroups are being monitored. The coastal breeding birds reproduction monitoring network is run as an ‘earlywarning system’ to follow the reproductive capacity of the bird populations in the Wadden Sea andunderstand the processes underlying fluctuations in populations. It is a valuable addition to the monitoring ofpopulation numbers and is carried out under a trilateral agreement with Germany and Denmark (TMAP). Theresults from 2014 show that many species of coastal breeding birds are still facing difficulties. The breedingsuccess of Eurasian Oystercatcher, Pied Avocet, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern and Arctic Tern inparticular is too low or much too low to maintain a stable population. In contrast, the breeding success ofHerring Gull is better than a few seasons ago. Erection of electric fencing around breeding sites of PiedAvocet and Black-headed Gull to protect them from predation has led to higher nest success. The maincauses of poor breeding performance appear to be predation by foxes and brown rats and insufficient foodavailability for the young