Caspian Gull colony at Lelystad, The Netherlands
Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 8:03 pm
At the yacht harbour of Lelystad, Markermeer Lake, The Netherlands, a colony of LBBG and HG is situated on two groynes. Both species are monitored by aerial survveys (governemental department Rijkswaterstaat). LBBG is dominating the colony, with up to 200 pairs in recent years. HG has a couple of tens of pairs. Spoonbills are also breeding here.
From 2015 on, some Caspian Gulls were also seen in the colony. Breeding was confirmed for the first time in 2016: 3 pairs (Herman Bouman, Merijn Loeve, Albert de Jong). In 2017 at least 1 and in 2018 at least 3 pairs were found (D. Doodeman, A. de Jong). These numbers came mostly from observations from vantage points on the dike and are likely to be underestimations. Caspian Gulls in this colony can be best counted from a boat by identifying pairs, photographing them and perhaps finding nests.
Today at 30 March 2019 I did a first visit with the canoe and was surprised by the number of Caspians I had. But first somse other birds....
From 2015 on, some Caspian Gulls were also seen in the colony. Breeding was confirmed for the first time in 2016: 3 pairs (Herman Bouman, Merijn Loeve, Albert de Jong). In 2017 at least 1 and in 2018 at least 3 pairs were found (D. Doodeman, A. de Jong). These numbers came mostly from observations from vantage points on the dike and are likely to be underestimations. Caspian Gulls in this colony can be best counted from a boat by identifying pairs, photographing them and perhaps finding nests.
Today at 30 March 2019 I did a first visit with the canoe and was surprised by the number of Caspians I had. But first somse other birds....