La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	Status and distribution of Common Scoters on the Solway Firth
Auteurs :	Clive Hartley, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	British Birds (100(5) MAY 2007)
Article en page(s) :	280-288
Résumé :	Boat-based surveys associated with an environmental impact assessment of part of the Solway Firth provided a unique opportunity to carry out a detailed study of the Common Scoter Melanitta nigra flock which frequents this area. Estimates of the size of this flock and its seasonal variation are provided, which suggest that the Solway Firth's most important roles for this species are as a migration staging point for up to 8,000 birds from early April to mid June, and also as a moult site for almost 6,000 scoters prior to their dispersal between mid September and mid November. Diurnal movements in relation to the tide cycle and food availability are discussed. Understanding seasonal and diurnal movements is important for monitoring, and also for devising appropriate conservation measures, particularly with regard to commercial shellfishing activities and the location of offshore windfarms.

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