Jan and Camilla, affiliated with the Lowland Ecology Network, study not one, but several areas within the National Park. To obtain specific information, they chose three ‘indicator’ bird species: the common tern, the spoonbill and the pied avocet. Jan: "The common tern gives us insight into the use of breeding and feeding areas on open water, such as the IJsselmeer. They catch fish on the open water and by studying where they do this, we can assess how productive this ecosystem is and whether there is enough fish. The avocet gives us information about Marker Wadden as a breeding and feeding area. These birds, including their chicks, search for small invertebrates in the mudflats and shallow water and give us insight into the quality of the area. Spoonbills commute between different areas, breeding in one place and then using other areas to catch fish in shallow water. These three species together give us a good overview of the use of the different areas and landscape types in National Park Nieuw Land.”

National parks are essential

The bird researchers work with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen Marine Research and Deltares, which collect data on food supply and the environment. Jan: ”We already made interesting discoveries by looking at the connectivity between different areas. We noticed that the avocet, a bird that prefers to seek  food locally,  not only uses Marker Wadden but also Oostvaardersplassen to find food. This is remarkable because it shows us that the birds use a much larger area for foraging. Sometimes they use Marker Wadden as a feeding area, while other times they forage in the Oostvaardersplassen. Sometimes we even see big differences within one year, with the birds adapting their behavior to the conditions.

Camilla adds, "It's fascinating to see how  birds utilize different areas. One spoonbill is always fishing in the same pond. The other keeps going to different spots. But which one does it ’better’ that is, of course, the question. It suggests that variation is essential to their survival. It is not that one area is always best, but that the network of areas gives the birds the flexibility to adapt to change. National Park Nieuw Land is special because of its large freshwater ecosystems, whereas many other breeding areas are often surrounded by salt or brackish water. Moreover, it is notable that birds stop mostly in national parks during their migration to southern Europe and Africa, indicating that crucial resting and feeding areas remain in these areas. This highlights the importance of national parks, not only locally, but also internationally. In short, our discoveries show that the network of different areas and habitats is essential for birds.”