A Lord Derbys parakeet, the red-throated diver, the banded ragwort fly, and the gray snout weevil. These are just a few of the many observations made by the bird watchers of Rijkswaterstaat on the Rottums.
They have recorded their findings in their annual report, the 2024 edition of which is now online at 2024 .
The bird watchers stay in a cabin on Rottumerplaat each year during the breeding season (March-August). Last year marked the 44th time. In previous years, they were there on behalf of Staatsbosbeheer, but in 2024 this was taken over by Rijkswaterstaat.
Surveillance and Monitoring
The bird watchers are present on the Rottums during the breeding season to, among other things, guard the islands, count birds, and contribute to scientific research. The area has a Natura 2000 designation and serves as a reference area. The goal is for nature to develop here as undisturbed as possible.
Each year, the observations and findings of the respective bird watching season on Rottumerplaat are recorded in a report by the bird watchers. Findings are shared with relevant (knowledge) institutions, such as SOVON Bird Research and the Butterfly Monitoring Network.
Surprising Parakeet
In 2024, the bird watchers were surprised by a colorful Lord Derbys parakeet. It likely escaped from a cage. It was the first sighting of this species on the Rottums. Also, one ruddy shelduck, a native goose species that is quite rare, was observed. Ultimately, the bird watchers saw tens of thousands of birds. The day with the most birds was July 27, when no less than 41,998 birds were counted.
On the uninhabited islands, the ordinary can also be special. For instance, a successful breeding attempt of a starling was noted for the first time. A daisy was also spotted again. A common flower on the mainland, but on the Rottums, this plant is more often absent than present.
Not Just Bird Counts
Besides the many bird counts and studies, plants, insects, arthropods, and more are also mapped. The banded ragwort fly was seen, a fly more often found in warmer regions. The narrow-mouthed whorl snail was not overlooked either. The creature is barely larger than a grain of sand but was observed again.
For the first time since 2007, no eelgrass was spotted during multiple searches on the mudflats. Why this is the case is still unclear, but the observation is at least important for Rijkswaterstaat as a nature manager.
New Season 2025
This year, bird watchers are also active on the Rottums. Their work begins in early April. Once they are well established, they regularly report on their activities. On Instagram via @Rottumerplaatje and on the Waddenzee website, you can subscribe to a special newsletter .