DIJK AJ VAN, WEIDE M VAN DER, KLEEFSTRA R, ZOETEBIER D & PLATE C (2002) Rare and colonial breeding birds in The Netherlands in 1999. LIMOSA 75 (3): 103-122.

In The Netherlands, annual surveys of rare and colonial breeding birds are carried out since 1992. These aim to monitor national population size and population developments in Special Protection Areas (SPAs). This paper presents the results of the 1999 survey and summarises the annual report published recently by Sovon Vogelonderzoek Nederland (van Dijk et al. 2001). Table 1 lists all species and numbers recorded in 1999, giving details on the actual numbers counted, the estimated size of the national population and the most recent population estimate so far. Numbers generally refer to the number of territories, and do not necessarily implicate confirmed breeding. Again, the breeding season followed an exceptional mild winter. Since autumn 1998 was very wet, water tables were still high in many areas, favouring breeding opportunities for wetland species. Fieldwork was enhanced by mild weather conditions during March-July.
      Among the rare breeding birds, records of Horned Grebe (1), Common Crane (1), Whiskered Tern (1), Eurasian Eagle Owl (2), Tengmalm's Owl (1), Eurasian Hoopoe (1), Thrush Nightingale (1), Red-spotted Bluethroat (1), Ring Ouzel (1), River Warbler (1), Melodious Warbler (1), Great Grey Shrike (1) and House Crow (1) were highlights of the 1999 breeding season. However, often only territorial behaviour was observed, and confirmed breeding was only reported for Whiskered Tern, Eurasian Eagle Owl (1), Red-spotted Bluethroat (new to the Dutch list, perhaps mixed pair with White-spotted Bluethroat), Great Grey Shrike (first successful pair since 1993) and House Crow.
      Great Bittern, Grey Heron and Common Kingfisher, species which suffered from cold weather in the 1995/96 and 1996/97 winters, continued their gradual recovery, although especially the population development for Great Bittern remains worrying. Growing numbers were also observed in Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Little Egret, Greater White-fronted Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Greater Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Mediterranean Gull (15% increase compared to 1998), European Nightjar and Sand Martin. Especially population growth in (originally) escaped goose species is one of the most obvious phenomena of the last decade. In the northern Delta area, SW-Netherlands, the population of Barnacle Goose in summer already exceeds 4000 individuals. Elsewhere, small settlements of this species also show an exponential increase. Long-term declines continued in 1999 for Hen Harrier, Kentish Plover (Wadden Sea), Ruff, Eurasian Wryneck, Crested Lark, Tawny Pipit, Great Reed Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Ortolan Bunting and Corn Bunting. Most of these species are highly endangered and some balance on the verge of extinction.

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