Foerageergedrag en het bepalen van draagkracht van wintertaling in de Zeeschelde

European teal is one of the most numerous wintering ducks in the Zeeschelde. We want to better understand the distribution and change in wintering numbers of teal - also as a model for other wintering ducks. We found a very clear link between foraging activity and the biomass density of Oligochaeta, a group of worms, in the Zeeschelde. Teal choose mudflats with a biomass density of Oligochaeta higher than a certain lower limit and find it in the upper half of the mud, where there is less foraging pressure from underwater predators. We can use that surface area to calculate the carrying capacity of the system. This also allows us to estimate whether we can meet our European obligations for this Birds Directive area.