Holland / River Rhine Wetlands
Geese, Ducks and Waders

Our journey to the Lower Rhine wetlands, to Flevoland, Friesland and Texel, provides an opportunity for acute observations of Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Barnacle Goose, Bean Goose, Pink-footed Goose, and occasionally Lesser White-fronted Goose and Red-breasted Goose. Numerous other species overwinter here due to the mild climate, extensive wetlands and tidelands, and a rich food supply from the agricultural fields. Due to the fact that many reserves are close to each other the amount of time spent for the various species is optimal. In addition, interesting information about ecological relations and applied nature conservation can be found here.

click here to download tour-programme

Dates

1. Sat., 17. Jan. 2009 - Sat., 24. Jan. 2009

Price includes

• 7 x Bed & Breakfast
• All transport during trip
• Accommodation in en-suite double/single room
• Birding guide
• Breach of warranty certificate

Additional costs

• Own transport
• Beverages
• Additional meals

Number of participants

8 – 12 persons

Travel guide

Michael Jöbges

Level of difficulty

Very easy tour on flat areas.

Arrival

By Train
Outward journey: London Waterloo 8:39 am - Duisburg 3:45 pm
Return journey: Duisburg 2:13 pm - London Waterloo 7:28 pm
Price p.p. from £110

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Arrival, Lower Rhine

Flight to Germany. Tranfer to the observation area at the Lower Rhine close to the Dutch border. Marsh areas and meadows in the flood area of the Rhine, bayous and gravel pits. The diverse landscape with Willow Trees, hedges and ditches is very rich in species (breeding area of Little Owl). This is the largest overwintering site of Greater White-fronted Goose and Bean Goose (up to 150 000 birds) in Germany. Other species we can possibly observe are Egyptian Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Goosander, Smew, Peregrine Falcon, Long-eared Owl. Hotel in Rees-Haldern.

Day 2

Northern part of Lower Rhine

Visit to the nature reserves near Bienen-Praest, Salmorth and Düffel. Hotel in Rees-Haldern. On the wet areas a large number of Tufted Ducks, Gadwalls, Common Teal, Common Goldeneye and Eurasian Wigeon over winter. Observation of the winter quarters of the Long-eared Owl. Break in a typical country cafe.

Day 3

Flevoland

Morning observation in the Dutch bird reserve Oostvardersplasse, a polder area of large parts of IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel). After the drainage of Flevopolder in 1968, larger areas with shallow water (Dutch: “Plassen”) with White Willow, Almond Willow and cane brake were preserved. Walking-tour to the observation hut Seearend, (Seeadler) Staatsbobeheer (White-tailed Eagle). Regularly Rough-legged Buzzard, Northern Harrier, Great Grey Shrike and Great Egret. With luck we can observe Bearded Tit, Great Bittern, Water Rail or Great Egret. Large troops of Common Pochard, Tufted Duck and Gadwall in IJsselmeer. Accommodation in Makkum.

Day 4

Bird reserves “Lauwersmeer” and “Friesisches Watt”

The big fresh-water lake Lauwersmeer with its extensive cane brake areas and wet grassland developed in 1969 due to an embankment. Many Barnacle Geese and White-fronted Geese overwinter on the green areas. Regularly you can find Red-breasted Geese and Lesser White-fronted Geese. Notable species are Whooper and Tundra Swan, European Golden-Plover, Great Egret, Eurasian Bittern and Bearded Tit. In der Watten Sea at Holwerd Merlin and many Sandpipers such as Dunlin, Redshank, Eurasian Curlew, Black-bellied Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit. Accommodation in Makkum.

Day 5

Gaasterland, Abschlussdamm, Den Oever

Visit to the overwintering quarters of the Barnacle and White-fronted Goose in Gaasterland. You can often discover small groups of Pink-footed Geese. Observations in the reserves of the Fresian Initiative for the Protection of Birds (Fryske Gea). A large amount of Greater Scaup can be found in the Abschlussdeich. On the port areas of Kornwerderzand and Den Oover Red-Breasted Merganser, Lesser White-footed Goose. In the Watten Sea many Common Shellducks and regularly Pied Avocets. In the afternoon crossing von Den Helder to Texel. Hotel on Texel.

Day 6 and 7

Reserves in Texel

The diversity of birds on Texel can be ascribed to the mild climate of the north-western coast and the excellent food supply in the adjacent tidelands. The island is used as a breeding, resting and overwintering site by millions of geese, ducks and waders. Species like Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Redshank, Black-bellied Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Ruddy Turnstone can be observed in the reserves Zeeburg, De Schorren, De Geul, Mokbai and Horspolders. A walking-tour through the duine landscape “Slufter”. Visit to the Ecological Information Centre of Eco Mare concludes the programme. Accommodation on Texel.

Day 8

Departure

Transfer Duisburg airport. Return flight.