OVERDIJK O (1999) Development of numbers of breeding pairs of Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia in The Netherlands in 1994-98. LIMOSA 72 (2): 41-48.

In 1994 Voslamber has presented a historic overview of the development of the Dutch Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia breeding population during 1963-93 (Voslamber 1994). In this article the development over 1994-98 is presented. The number of breeding pairs increased from 660 in 1994 to 1270 in 1998. Similar developments were reported from other countries. In the United Kingdom (Suffolk) a new breeding colony was established in 1997 (first attempt) and in 1998 five breeding pairs raised some juveniles. In Denmark (Jutland) an old breeding site was used again by Spoonbills and in 19984-6 pairs bred successfully. In France (Landes) was a new breeding site. In Germany (Lower Saxonie) new colonies were established on two Wadden Sea Islands. Why the breeding population is increasing so quickly recently is unknown. Estimated survival rates of adult Spoonbills on Wadden Sea Islands remained unchanged. Only weak evidence was found for an increase in juvenile survival (Bauchau et al. 1998).
      During two expeditions to Mauritanie (Banc d'Arguin), one of the most important wintering areas for Dutch Spoonbills, c. 50% of the Dutch breeding population was found to be present in that area. The area is safe for Spoonbills (Overdijk in Zwarts et al. 1998).

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