DIJK AJ VAN, BOELE A, ZOETEBIER D & MEIJER R (1999) Rare and colonial breeding birds in the Netherlands in 1996. LIMOSA 72 (1): 23-40.

This paper reviews the status of colonial and rare breeding bird species in The Netherlands in 1996. Full details are given in van Dijk et al. (1998).
      The 1995/96 winter was long and severe; it was the first severe winter since the mid 1980s and was characterised by prolonged periods of frost, interrupted by short periods of milder weather. Snowfall was rare. There was a striking regional difference in mean temperatures between the NE and SW of The Netherlands as frostlines often cut across the country. Equally remarkable as the severity of the winter weather was the long period of drought preceding the 1996 breeding season. Between July 1995 and April 1996 record low precipitation figures were assessed.
      As a result of the severe winter weather, several breeding species suffered heavy losses. Grey Heron numbers decreased markedly (on a national level with 22%), especially III the eastern and northern part of the country. Kingfisher numbers fell with at least 75%, and the already ailing population of Bittern suffered a disquieting 30% decrease. Grey Wagtail numbers decreased slightly m the northernmost parts of the Dutch breeding area, but remained stable in the core areas in the utmost SE of the country.
      Some species suffered from dry habitat conditions. Numbers of Black-necked Grebe fell with about 40% to 160-180 breeding pairs whereas numbers of Spotted Crake, some 80-130 pairs, were low compared to normal figures (200 pairs or more). Spoonbills deserted the large colony in the Oostvaardersplassen, Flevoland, probably as a result of food shortage and predation by Red Foxes, both caused by unusually low water tables. The strong expansion in the Wadden Islands, however, continued. Common Sandpiper probably benefitted from low water levels along the rivers; ten breeding pairs were recorded, which is a high number for The Netherlands. Red-backed Shrike numbers were estimated at 210-230 pairs, the highest figure in 1992-96.
      Several rare breeding species showed up in relatively good numbers in 1996, including Little White Egret (2 pairs), Night Heron (2 nest and another 3 possible breeding pairs), Black Kite (one nest, with one fledgling; only the second confirmed breeding record for The Netherlands), Great Black-backed Gull (one confirmed breeding record and six possible breeding pairs), Middle Spotted Woodpecker (one territorial male) and Melodious Warbler (1-2 probable breeding male). A pair of sometimes displaying Short-toed Eagles was observed for several weeks, but without indications for a breeding attempt. Mediterranean Gulls reached an unprecedented level of 327 breeding pairs.

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