Abstract
In an update to the Dutch framework on ecological effects and cumulative impacts (referred to as Kader Ecologie en Cumulatie, KEC 3.0), Eurasian Curlew was highlighted as being potentially vulnerable to collisions with offshore wind energy developments. Part of the reason for this was the lack of information on the precise routes, timing and flight heights of migrations tracks across the Dutch North Sea. In an attempt to gather information of these crossings Curlews were tagged in the UK with the aim of collecting high resolution GPS data on the routes, timing and heights of sea crossings of the (Dutch) North Sea.
The fieldwork to tag Curlews in the UK during the winter was delayed due to Covid-related restrictions and took place in the winter of 2021/2022. Two Curlews were fitted with GPSGSM tags in Devon in November 2021. These birds failed to yield data on sea crossings as both remained in the UK to during the following breeding season.
In recent years a number of projects have been initiated on Curlew, including many that now tag birds. Data from some of these projects have already yielded information on sea crossings and many others have the potential to do so. Information on sea crossings by Curlew is likely to become available in the next few years as these projects publish this information. An overview of known projects is given. In addition, an ongoing review by Marine Scotland may also provide an overview of the current knowledge on this subject. An overview of projects likely to yield the required information is given along with a summary of the tagging carried out as part of this project.