Marvel at the sheer abundance of wintering birdlife in this charming and accessible corner of Europe. Witnessing huge flocks of geese, waterfowl, cranes and hunting raptors all add to the experience.
The northern coast of Holland is a surprisingly wildlife rich pocket of Europe. In winter its coastal wetlands are heaving with birds with many thousands of geese, swans, ducks and waders all gathering in huge flocks, often swirling into the air as a passing raptor enters the scene. The abundance of birds is what makes this area spectacular, but the range of species that can be seen also makes it special.
This area is also one of the most accessible and reliable locations in Europe to find many Scandinavian speciality species that head further south for the winter. There are many rarities to look out for including the stunning red-breasted and rare lesser white-fronted goose, in addition to resident black and middle-spotted woodpeckers, white-tailed eagles, cranes, hawfinches and long-eared owls.
Based at a warm and cosy hotel near Groningen, we go in search of the immense flocks of over wintering geese, ducks, waders, shore birds and spectacular raptors that hunt this bird rich region at this time of year. We visit a range of key sites and different habitats from coastal grazing marsh to dense woodland recommended by our local expert guide. It's not just the impressive density of birds here, but also the surprising diversity of species that can encountered, and we are likely to be treated to some exciting interactions between the great flocks and hunting birds of prey.
Accompanied throughout by expert naturalist Martijn Bot, this is also a great holiday for those looking to develop their birdwatching skills in the field before returning to a cosy fire in the evening.
Arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, we meet our guide and head north to our base at a pleasant hotel in Groningen (around 235 kilometres or roughly 2.5 hours’ drive).
En route we make birding stops at marshlands to look for birds of prey and experience our first vast flocks of geese, many including lesser white-fronted among many others.
Accommodation: Hotel In’t Holt, 4-nights
Today we enjoy birdwatching along the Wadden Sea coast of Friesland and Lauwersmeer National Park. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Waddenzee, Lauwersmeer National Park enjoys an enviable reputation as a key site for seeing a great selection of waders, waterfowl and birds of prey. This can be a good location to find the rare red-breasted goose most winters.
This is one of the most exciting places for winter birding, with chances of seeing a great diversity of species with huge flocks of ducks, avocets and whooper and Bewick’s swans. This attracts many birds of prey to the area including rough-legged buzzard, hen harrier and white-tailed eagle. Closer to the coast we also hope to find flocks of shorelark, snow bunting, Lapland bunting and twite.
Today we explore the forests and moorlands of the Drents-Friese Wold and Fochteloërveen for a different cast of species including both black and middle-spotted woodpecker, long-eared owl and flocks of common crane. There's also a resident pair of white-tailed eagle here, and we hope to also find a great grey shrike if one is in the area as well hawfinch, crested tit and other woodland birds.
Today our plan is to visit a true winter birding paradise, with lots of geese and wildfowl. We explore some wonderful wetland sites where again we hope to find the sought after and beautiful, red-breasted goose alongside great numbers of brents, white-fronted and barnacle and pink-footed geese. Ducks also occur at great density with smew, goldeneye, greater scaup, red-breasted merganser, goosander and red-crested pochard all present and along the coast itself we can enjoy plenty of waders. Once again raptors including rough-legged buzzard, merlin, goshawk and white-tailed eagle are all likely to send some of these flocks into the air creating a sensational mixed flock spectacle.
Today there should be ample time to visit one more area en route to Amsterdam. The Jaap Deensgat hide on the eastern side of Lauwersmeer National Park is always productive. Other possibilities include Oostvaardersplassen, an area with several hides on the southeast shore of the Markermeer to the east of Amsterdam.
Finally, we must leave the birds and make our way to Schiphol airport in time to check in for our flight to the UK.
A tailor-made holiday or private departure can be arranged, please contact us to tailor a trip to suit your requirements.
Martijn guides not only in the Netherlands, but also across the rest of Europe. Although a teacher of geography and Spanish in everyday life, birding is where Martijn’s heart lies.
Like his father and many of his family members, he’s been birdwatching from a young age, and tries to be outside as often as possible. He thoroughly enjoys sharing his country's birdlife, in all his favourite locations, with fellow enthusiasts.
Find out more about the day-to-day sightings and wildlife activities on our group tours from our expert naturalist leaders.
Johan Smit Park in Zuidhorn is large and wooded, with highland cattle wandering through it. The area of Middag-Humsterland near Zuidhorn is known for its ‘wierden’, man-made dwelling mounds dating back to 500BC or earlier. This region is one of the National Landscapes of the Netherlands. Find Out More about {acc:title}
A charming and atmospheric hotel and restaurant located on the edge of the rural town of Zuidhorn. With period décor and furniture, the friendly Hotel In 't Holt 1654 is a lovely base after a day’s winter’s birding along the coast or to enjoy al fresco dining in the summer. Find Out More about In ‘t Holt
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
