Birding Tour Onlanden Netherlands

Description

Birding Tour Onlanden

Bird excursion Onlanden is a bird excursion on the bike by the Onlanden. This vast nature reserve lies on the border between Groningen and Drenthe. It has a size of about 2500 ha. Originally, it is a low-lying peat meadow area with a few higher sand paths. In 2008, a start was made on redeveloping the area to make it suitable as a water storage area and nature reserve. Dikes have been built, roads have been closed, and the swamp biotope has been created in many places, alternating with tufts of bushes and rugged hay meadows. The refurbishment was completed at the end of 2012. The area now serves as an ecological connection between the Paterswoldsemeer and the Leekstermeer.

Onlanderij

On the bike, we will visit a number of places in the Onlanden, which accommodate different bird species. We start at the Onlanderij. Nearby is the first viewpoint, over a lake. Black-necked Grebe may swim between the Black-headed Gulls, and perhaps a Black Tern will fly by. Then we take a look at the ‘bridge’, where the annual Bird migration takes place. Here you can see plenty of ducks such as Wigeon and Teal. We cycle further through the open landscape, where for months a Pallid Harrier has conquered the hearts of birds in the Netherlands. Would he stay here? The chance of a Harrier in the winter or a Harrier in the spring and summer is there anyway.

If we continue our way we pass reed fields, where we might hear Bearded males, Reed buntings, and reed warblers. Also, a Mustache or Grasshopper vocalist will regularly hear his vibrating vocals in the spring or summer. Very different is the sound of the Bittern, which also occurs here. And would we still encounter a Snipe? And if we are really lucky, an Osprey will fly over. In the summer of 2016, three were in the area!

Otter and Ree

De Otter has also been a regular resident of the Onlanden for a number of years. However, it almost never shows itself. There is a good chance that we will encounter a number of Roe deer. They can often be seen on the higher parts of the Onlanden. Recently, four Exmoor ponies have been released, as natural lawnmowers.

Trekking forest

Suddenly a small trunks bunch appears, and you can expect the sound of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. The Tjiftjaf and Koolmees are also here. Afterward the bike ride continues through the vast fields, where Storks seek food, especially if there is mowing somewhere. Also, Curlews, Lapwings, and Oystercatchers are often present here. In addition to the bicycle path, there is the reed, which means that the chance of a meeting with a Bluethroat can not be ruled out. Also, the Buzzard can often be found here.

We can still glance over the area from a work of art on the bike path. And do not look up from a House Martin, who flies past you. Then we arrive at the Onlanderij, where the excursion ends.
The bike ride has a length of approximately 16 km.

Rent a bike

If you do not have the opportunity to bring your own bike, it can be rented at Oomkens Rijwielhuis. The morning excursion starts at 9.15 am (Oomkens Rijwielhuis is open from 9.00 and is located 1 kilometer from the Onlanderij). Please contact Oomkens Rijwielhuis telephone +31 50 529 0300 in order to be sure of a bicycle! Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Food and drinks

During the Birding Tour Onlanden Netherlands, there will be coffee and tea with a local titbit.

What can you expect from this Birding Tour Onlanden Netherlands?

I am looking forward to taking you with me and show you all the birding secrets in this area. It is easy to book your own Birding Tour at a time and date that suits you.

Your Guide: Andrea de Vries
If you book an excursion for a whole day, you will receive a € 20 discount on the total price.