Seabirds at sea, september – november 1988 (ship-based observations CvZ/DGW, NIOZ)

Information was received from only five trips. The MV Holland (CvZ/DGW) was manned in the period 17/19 October and 7/10 November with trips along the Noord- and Zuid-Holland coast and north of the Wadden Isles. Of observations on board the MV Tridens (NIOZ) information on two trips was received: one along the Noord-Holland coast (17/19 October) and one to the Brown Bank (Zuid-Holland coast) and the Frisian Front (NW of Texel; 7/10 November). Finally the MV Aurelia (NIOZ) made one short trip on 13 October NW of Texel. Only a few divers were seen, mainly close to the shore. The maximum number on a single trip was a group of four Red-throated Divers near the Wadden Isles (Vlieland) in October. Fulmars were only common far off the coast and mainly in the northern parts. There was quite a high proportion of coloured birds present (c. 5%). Observations of Gannets (mainly adults) were spread out over the entire area. During the period of 17-19 October some migration of geese was noted (involving Brent, Barnacle and Grey-lag Geese). Only few scoters were seen.