Few places on Earth offer such variety and numbers of wading birds as the north Netherlands coast in late summer. Our trip visits key birding sites from a comfortable hotel base in Zuidhorn, near Groningen.
The Waddenzee, in the north Netherlands, is the world’s most extensive uninterrupted system of intertidal sand and mudflats, and has international protected status. While all the birds we see here will have our attention, our principal focus is on waders, which are the area’s main attraction. Learning to identify different species and getting to know their varied plumages are the main goals of this popular birding trip.
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 will make a birding stop at the marshes of Oostpolder, to see ruffs and spoonbills among many others.
Accommodation: Hotel In’t Holt, 4-nights
The Netherlands’ most famous high-tide refuges for waders are home to many different species and it’s possible to see huge numbers of birds at close quarters. Spending a few hours among the many thousands of waders is an unforgettable spectacle.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Waddenzee, Lauwersmeer National Park is one of the main areas to see waders. However, raptors are also a major attraction, as white-tailed eagle and Montagu’s harrier breed here.
We start in the eastern part of the reserve and work round in an anticlockwise direction, ending up at the Friesian side in the afternoon – it’s not unusual to see around 100 species on this day alone.
These two spots aren’t far apart, but high tide determines which we visit first.
Breebaart Polder, at the north-eastern tip of Groningen province, is a must for anyone interested in seeing almost all the European waders, in particular the highly sought‐after broad‐billed sandpiper. This sheltered inland roost is a great place to watch birds feeding from remarkably close quarters.
The recently developed Oostpolder and Onnerpolder have rapidly become key birding destinations in the northern part of the Netherlands. Mainly famous for their breeding terns, they are also widely known for the migrating waders that stop here during migration.
Before driving back to Amsterdam airport, we aim to visit one more area en route. Jaap Deensgat, part of Lauwersmeer National Park, is always very productive and popular. Other possibilities include Oostvaardersplassen.
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
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