HULSCHER JB (1989) Mortality and survival of Oystercatchers Haematapus astralegus during severe winter conditions. LIMOSA 62 (4): 177-181.

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Most Oystercatchers using the East Atlantic Flyway winter in estuaries around the North and Irish Sea, where the winters are usually mild. However, long lasting cold spells may occur. Then, often mass emigrations (cold rushes) and mass mortality are a bserved. The question is how do Oystercatchers cope with hard winter weather and to what extent can they rely upon their reserves? During a cold spell in January 1987 a huge exodus of Oystercatchers out of the Wadden Sea was registered. Ring recoveries showed that many of the birds went to Northern France. By comparing body reserves and energy expenditure a model is presented for the prospects the birds had to survive this spell, assuming they solely relied upon their reserves. The calculations showed that upon arrival in France the birds had exhausted their reserves to such an extent, that the remaining reserves were hardly sufficient for another two days of fasting. The strategy Oystercatchers follow when a cold spell arrives is: wait as long as you can, hoping for better times, but save at least sufficient reserves for a flight to another area where feeding conditions may be better.

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