Tips for watching (migratory) birds
- The marina (jachthaven) and the causeway to the ferry (veerdam) are good spots for watching wading birds. When you arrive during incoming tide, the birds come closer and closer.
- From the viewing huts at the Westerplas you have an unobstructed view of the large numbers of spoonbills that breed around the Westerplas. In winter these are good spots for watching widgeons, pintails, and other water birds.
- In the Banck’s polder you can find migratory birds like black-tailed godwits, barnacle geese, brent geese and golden plovers.
- In spring everywhere in the dunes you can hear nightingales singing.
- In autumn, the bushes in the dunes are full of members from the thrush’s family. Use your ears to find them, because they are very good at hiding in the bushes.
Migratory bird route
Following our ‘trekvogelroute’ is a pleasant way to make a tour along the different migratory birds’ hotspots on Schiermonnikoog. You can find the description on the website of Natuurmonumenten. This itinerary contains not only route instructions, but also information about the spots you visit and the birds you can see there. (NB Only available in Dutch.)
Excursions with migratory birds
- Bird walk with migratory birds
- Nightingale walk
- Breeding bird excursion
Free bird migration poster
The six National Parks along the Dutch coast have teamed up to visualize this extraordinary wealth in the Netherlands: a bird migration poster for all ages. This free poster is not only a gem on your wall, but also offers an overview of the international bird migration routes and introduces eleven iconic migratory birds that visit the Netherlands every year. Would you like to have one of these free posters? Come to information centre Het Baken and get one. Hurry, because our supply is limited!