Association between temporal distribution of waterfowl on Lough Leane, Co. Kerry, Ireland and limnological characteristics of the lake

Abstract

Coot (Fulica atra), Tufted Duck (Ayhtya fuligula) and Mallard (Anas platyrhyncos) were the most abundant residents on Lough Leane, Co. Kerry, Ireland, which was important to moulting Mallard and wintering Coot and Tufted duck. Coot and Mallard numbers were stable during the 3 year period of this study but Tufted duck numbers declined from a maximum average of approximately 600 to approximately 400. This 33% decline may be associated with increasing eutrophication of the lake.