The winter status and distribution of Gadwall in Britain and Ireland

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Abstract
The abundance and distribution of Gadwall in Britain and Ireland between September and March has been analysed using National Wildfowl Count data since 1960. Numbers in Britain have risen dramatically over the period, notably by 12–¸17% during December-February. The total estimated population of Gadwall in Britain and Ireland increased to 6000 birds by 1985/86. Peak numbers occur in November and increasingly in December. The relatively faster rate of increase during those months compared with the September trends suggests increased immigration of foreign breeding birds. Expansion in the British wintering population correlates well with increases in the overall NW European population and appears related to the proliferation of lowland artificial waters in Britain (such as gravel pits and reservoirs).
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