Ruimtelijke verdeling van weidevogelnesten

For the benefit of meadowbird management the distribution of nests in relation to drains has been investigated in the Schaalsmeerpolder (Noord-Holland 52°31’N.; 04°48’E., The Netherlands). Most nestsites of the species that have been analysed didn’t show a random pattern. For Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Coot (Fulica atra), Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and Redshank (Tringa totanus) a relation has been found in the distribution between nestsite and drains; for Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) and Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) nests are situated in the centre between two drains. During the breeding season there is a shift in the pattern for the Lapwing towards a random distribution of nestsites. Individual site fidelity for Godwits has been proven. Qualities of the soil and specific behaviour of the species can explain the preference for a certain nestsite. The results of this investigation do not permit farmers to work on their plots after the Ist of April without causing severe damage to nests.