Vorsttrek van Scholeksters Haematopus ostralegus langs de kust in 1987

In the winter of 1986/87 during a heavy coldspell a massive coldrush of Oystercatchers occurred along the Dutch coast. In the afternoon of 14 January 1987 an astonishing 62 884 individuals flew south along Scheveningen in 5.5 hours, representing about 40% of the Dutch Wadden Sea winter population and about 11% of the entire winter population of Europe and NW-Africa. This heavy passage occurred after temperatures with a maximum of -12° C and was followed by mass-mortality (several thousands). The occurrence of coldrushes in Oystercatchers is briefly discussed, the main cause not being just cold weather, but the resulting inaccessability of the food resources in the Wadden Sea and adjacent areas. Finally it is noted that Oystercatchers are among the ’hardiest’ waders, only deciding to leave the Wadden Sea area when virtually starving.