Distribution and Evolution of Avocet numbers in the Aiguillon Bay Nature Reserve

摘要

The Aiguillon Bay Nature Reserve of the is the main overwintering site for Avocets in France. After five winters protecting the whole site, a first assessment of the evolution of the wintering population can be drawn. We also studied the distribution of birds during feeding at low tide. Results show that the maximum number of avocets is recorded in January, with large between-years and between-months variations. The number of Avocet.days from mid-September to mid-April decreased by 9% over the last five years. The reduction is especially noticeable during the migratory period when compared to the other French sites. At low tide the avocets have a distribution mainly centered on 2 specific locations on the mudflat. These results are discussed in relation to the specific role of the Aiguillon Bay for wintering Avocets from a conservation point of view.