Lauwersmeer National Park features various landscapes, each with its own unique nature. This makes it so appealing to a wide variety of birds. All year round, birdwatchers can spot rare species of sea, mudflat, meadow, water, marsh, forest, shrubland, and birds of prey here. And new species are still being added. But the familiar winter and summer visitors, migratory birds, and resident birds also steal the show here.
Special nature attracts special birds
Since 2009, white-tailed eagles have been nesting in Lauwersmeer National Park. And successfully! This enormous bird, with a wingspan of two meters, serves as an icon of the area. Their living and foraging area is located on the southern side of the Lauwersmeer and is closed off to the public.
But there are plenty of other bird species to spot in their own territory. In the grassy areas, meadow birds like the northern lapwing, the common redshank, and the ruff breed, and you can see herbivorous water birds such as the barnacle goose and the Eurasian wigeon. Rare marsh birds like the sedge warbler, the reed warbler, and the bluethroat breed in the reed beds. In the water, diving ducks and waders busily search for food. New species of birds have also been spotted, discovering the forest and, in turn, attracting special birds of prey.
Starting at the Beginning
The starting point for a visit to Lauwersmeer National Park is the Activity Center Lauwersnest. Here you will find a range of information about the area and can unravel the secrets of the night. With just a few steps, you stand in the middle of nature from Lauwersnest, and there are all sorts of routes you can follow. So don't be afraid to leave the nest, there is plenty to see and experience.
Know where to look
So many types of birds, but where can you see them? For waterfowl and meadow birds like the lapwing, black-tailed godwit, and oystercatcher, head to the Bantpolder. Thousands of geese also settle there in the winter. The grasslands, marshes, reed fields, and water surfaces in the Kollumerwaard mainly attract greylag geese and birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels, and harriers. Who knows, you might also see a great egret standing in or near the water. In the mudflat area of Ezumakeeg, you can spot the red-necked phalarope, the corn bunting, the pectoral sandpiper, and maybe even the white-tailed eagle.
Climb the observation tower in the Ballastplaatbos or visit one of the bird hides like Roodkeelplasje and Jaap Deensgat. There's a good chance you'll be able to observe many bird species up close and in peace.
Listen to the Vogelspotcast
Experience Lauwersmeer National Park in a completely different way by listening to the special Lauwersmeer edition of the Vogelspotcast. Start episode 19, take the walk with the accompanying map, and listen carefully to the bird stories. You might even see the bird flying that is described in your ears!