Zeevogels bij Cabo Finisterre, NW Spanje

During systematic seawatching at Cape Finisterre, NW Spain (121 hours from late summer till winter), important numbers of seabirds were seen. Cory’s Shearwaters were migrating into the Gulf of Biscay between late July and early September. Balearic Shearwaters passage numbered an estimated 55,000 individuals, which is remarkable in view of the relatively low population estimates. Some flocks were seen feeding and many birds were moulting their flight feathers (over 50% late July and early August). Occurrences of Storm Petrels along the coast seemed to be exceptional and were only recorded during a period of hard weather. In winter, high numbers were seen of Gannet and Great Skua, while the latter was hardly seen migrating in autumn. Inshore waters off NW Spain thus seem to be attractive for seabirds, both on migration and in winter. However, some observations of oiled birds indicate they face threats by oil pollution and, possibly, also by entanglement in fisheries’ gears.