The past three years I spent the breeding season on the Dutch island Ameland, where I studied the decline of meadowbird populations. I monitored the nests of Northern Lapwings, Eurasian Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwits. My work as an ornithologists enables me to appreciate the beauty of our (avian) world to the fullest. But I am also confronted with all the human induced challenges they face. The effects of habitat change and loss, pollution, hunting, invasive species and climate change are all visible on Ameland. For me this is the best motivation the show people what is happening around us. If there is no awareness about the results of our acts, nothing will change.
May 07, 2019