OVERDIJK O & HORN H (2005) Breeding Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia in the Netherlands in 1999-2004. LIMOSA 78 (3): 97-102.

The Netherlands is a core breeding area for Eurasian Spoonbill in NW-Europe. This paper reviews the developments in the breeding population over the period 1999-2004. The number of breeding pairs increased from 1010 in 1999 to 1749 in 2004. Simultaneously, distribution of colonies expanded and in 2004 29 sites were occupied (Fig. 2). Nearly 70% of the population breeds on the (relatively predator-free) Wadden Sea islands, especially Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling and Schiermonnikoog. Further core breeding sites are situated in the surroundings of Lake IJsselmeer (notably Oostvaardersplassen) and in the Delta Area in the SWNetherlands (mainly Quackjeswater). At some sites mixed breeding with Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Great Egret Casmerodius albus and Little Egret Egretta garzetta occurs. Reproduction varied greatly among colonies and between years (Tab. 1, 2). In larger colonies, reproduction tends to level off, indicating colonies becoming saturated. Colonies on some Wadden Sea Islands were flooded during stormy weather in the breeding seasons of 2001-2002. Another cause for lower reproductive output might be poor weather. During cold and wet periods, adults have difficulties in finding food and simultaneously protecting their offspring from heavy rains.
      The increase in the Netherlands is paralleled by population trends elsewehere in NWEurope. The largest increase was observed in the German Wadden Sea, with eight colonies and 117 breeding pairs in 2003. New settlements were also observed in Belgium (three in 2003) and France (five in 2003) whereas the two colonies in Denmark persisted in 1999- 2003. A breeding attempt was reported from the UK in 2002. At least in Germany, Denmark and France breeding birds of Dutch origin (individually marked with colour rings) have been reported. Therefore it is likely that at least part of the increase observed in NW-Europe, from a total of 2200 pairs in 10 colonies in 1980 to 3200 pairs in c. 55 colonies in 2003, originates from the growing Dutch population.
      Currently a new monitoring and ringing scheme is being developed for the breeding population in Central and Eastern Europe (the Pannonian flyway). All resightings of marked birds, both from eastern and western European populations, can be send to the authors (address above). Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

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