Seabirds at sea, Mar – May 1991

The only trips conducted this period were on board MV Navicula and these were aimed at wintering concentrations of Common Scoters off the Dutch coast. Numbers were rather low this winter along the mainland coast and in the Delta area. A massive concentration of scoters was found off Schiermonnikoog which moved to Terschclling later on. Maximum numbers present in these concentrations were extremely difficult to assess, but roughly estimated at some 100,000 individuals off Schiermonnikoog in Jan/Feb 1991 (MFL, HO), and 40,000 off Terschelling in Mar-May (few birds stayed off Schiermonnikoog). Surveys in June off Terschelling learned that a considerable number of scoters was still present. Some 16,000 Common Scoters were seen on 19 June (MFL).