The return of the red-backed shrike and eagle owl
Looking back on one year of bird monitoring in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide
Every year, volunteers closely monitor the trends of breeding birds in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. In 2020, the most striking sightings were the red-backed shrike and the eagle owl. For the eagle owl, it was the first confirmed breeding to date. The red-backed shrike was welcomed back after years of absence.
Martin Groffen (chairman Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide): "The monitoring activities of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide are hugely important. The area is constantly evolving, based on natural processes, and on management work by conservationists. By systematically counting and observing, we know which measures have and have not worked. We are all pleased that heathland restoration measures are rapidly having an effect on target species such as woodlark."
In 2020, the areas De Nol, Stappersven, Boterbergen, De Ster, De Markgraaf and Withoefse Heide were monitored. A total of 572 ha were surveyed by 7 volunteers. These volunteers enter the data standardised on Sovon, from which they can be analysed. Results are compared with previous counting years to determine trends.
Of the 53 species of interest retained and supplemented in the monitoring plan, 36 were identified, of which 11 were possible and 25 certain breeding bird species.
Woodlark benefits from restoration work
The woodlark is doing a lot better than previous counting years. It is already benefiting from the restoration works on De Nol of the Life-Helvex project, providing more suitable open area. The increase over the various years is therefore nothing short of spectacular. This year, the species additionally made its appearance in the Boterbergen and De Ster subareas and was already territorially present while the restoration works were still in full swing. It is also notable that there has been a significant increase in grey flycatchers in the forests where rhododendron has been removed. For a species that is in sharp decline in large parts of Flanders, just under doubling in two years is still impressive. The tree pipit and collared redstart are also responding positively to the development work. Once vegetation succession sets in, a further increase is to be expected.
The Black-headed Gull has been making renewed breeding attempts at Stappersven in recent years. It usually breeds on drying stumps of old tree trunks. There were two successful nests, the young of which, however, just failed to grow up, and a third failed nest. It is notable that the species also consistently provokes breeding attempts by Black-necked Grebe, so building up a limited colony of Black-headed Gulls may have a positive impact on Black-necked Grebe.
New hunting ground for Europe's largest owl species
Although monitoring does not focus on nocturnal animals, it is relevant to report a successful breeding case of Eagle Owl with three young. It is by all accounts the first time ever that a breeding case has been recorded. Thanks to the more open nature of the forests due to the development works, the species has a more suitable hunting area available. And if that was not enough, one certain breeding case of eagle owl and 1 breeding case just outside the boundaries of the Grenspark could be established. It had long been suspected that the eagle owl had found a permanent home in the Grenspark, but for the first time this could be confirmed thanks to the discovery of the nests. The young eagle owls were provided with a scientific ring. We hope that in the future this can contribute to a better understanding of the further distribution of this nocturnal bird of prey.
Drought problematic for ducks
Unfortunately, there are also species that do not fare as well in the Grenspark. Duck species in particular are having a hard time with the increasingly drying out fens. The Matkop has also been doing dramatically poorly for years and has almost certainly almost completely disappeared from the area. The Great Thrush is a species that is also doing poorly in the wider region and also in Flanders. It is therefore positive that the species is still found in several areas. Declining species deserve increased attention.
Important source of information for nature conservationists
In 2004, an area-wide monitoring plan was launched in the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. A list of species of interest from different species groups was monitored with a uniform method, across land and property boundaries. Thanks to this monitoring, conservationists can follow up on the effects of management and adjust where necessary.
You can read more about breeding birds in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide in the 2020 breeding bird inventory report.