ERHART FC (1997) Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos profits from nature development-projects. LIMOSA 70 (2): 67-70.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos = Tringa hypoleucos Seventeen breeding records of Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (six proven, eleven probable) were reported from along the rivers Rhine, Waal and Meuse in the eastern part of The Netherlands in 1994-96 (Fig. 1). The number of breeding records was particularly high in 1996 (Fig. 2). Most records came from recently-initiated 'nature development- projects' in riverine areas where suitable breeding habitat has developed on slightly vegetated and partly wooded banks of rivers and gravelpits. In contrast, river forelands traditionally managed intensively, hardly provide suitable breeding habitat. It is thought that exceptionally low water levels in 1996 (Fig. 3) have contributed to the relatively large number of breeding pairs that same year. The nearest regular breeding areas of Common Sandpiper are located in northeast France and, perhaps, southeasternmost Belgium.

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