Birdwatching in Lauwersmeer National Park
Watch them fly on the border between fresh and salt water
Special nature attracts special guests. And we especially mean the enormous variety of seabirds, shorebirds, meadow birds, water birds, marsh birds, scrub birds, forest birds and birds of prey. New species are added all the time. Come and spot them, for instance from one of the bird-watching huts or observation towers.
From white-tailed eagles to reed warblers
The arrival of the white-tailed eagle is a great compliment to the natural environment of National Park Lauwersmeer . Literally, because this bird is enormous. Along the N361 towards Lauwersoog and at the Ezumakeeg, there are cut-out images of a white-tailed eagle that give you an idea of what a wingspan of two metres actually means. But there is much more birdlife flying and nesting here. The grassy areas are popular with herbivorous waterbirds such as the common goldeneye and the wigeon. Meadow birds such as the lapwing, the redshank and the ruff also breed here. In the water, diving ducks and waders search for food. In the reed beds, rare marsh birds such as the reed warbler, the sedge warbler and the bluethroat breed. And as the woodland grows older, an increasing variety of species are making their home there. This, in turn, attracts rare birds of prey.
Around the Lauwersmeer
It’s all very well having all those birds, but where can you see them? For waterbirds and meadow birds, head to the Bantpolder. There’s a good chance you’ll spot a lapwing, black-tailed godwit or oystercatcher walking along the rolling banks. In winter, the Bantpolder is home to thousands of overwintering geese. With all its grasslands, marshes, reed beds and open waters, the Kollumerwaard is popular with greylag geese and birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels and harriers. You might also spot a great white egret flying or staring quietly into the water. From the Ezumakeeg, you can look out for the grey-legged plover, the grey bunting, the bar-tailed godwit and the white-tailed eagle. Or climb the observation tower in the Ballastplaatbos.
Read more about birdwatching on the Staatsbosbeheer website and on the National Park Lauwersmeer website. Or listen to the special Bird watching podcast about the Lauwersmeer area. While listening to the podcast you can take a nice walk through the area with a special map, maybe you will spot the birds they are talking about!
