Almost all flights are fully booked. “This clearly meets a need,” Bird Conservancy said. Experts and enthusiasts provide explanations about birds and sometimes other animals and plants along the way. “If you see a bird and start to like it, you will likely want to protect birds and their habitats in the Netherlands. In this way we can contribute together to the preservation of nature and a livable world. “It is more necessary than ever,” says Carsten Schipperhein., Director of Bird Protection in the Netherlands.
With birding trips from May 11 to 19 or trails between May 1 and June 30, there is something to see and do across the country. No prior knowledge is needed to get started, but novice birdwatchers and nature lovers are welcome too! With 34 walking routes and 8 cycling routes, the offer is diverse. Binoculars are recommended and you are responsible for the equipment you bring with you, such as cameras and optics.
Gert Ottens, of Bird Protection, organizes the excursions himself. He points out: “During trips, the guides focus mainly on species recognition: for example, how can you tell the difference between a reed warbler and a reed warbler? And what are the differences between the great, medium and less-spotted woodpecker? The secret is that learning to watch birds is mainly about Doing this in cooperation with experienced bird watchers during the trip, you will learn mnemonic techniques to identify birds yourself, and all this in May, the month when you can hear and see birds in the Netherlands.
In addition, the routes are also marked by trip leaders so that you can walk independently with the help of a “digital trip leader”. These trails are available longer than just Bird Week. You can find this via a so-called web app – where you can follow a bird's path with your mobile phone in your hand and along the way you will see and hear information about the birds you encounter. These routes are created by the same trek leaders who also offer “physical” treks. It is available until June 30 via Mijnvogelweek.nl.
Bird watchers, nature lovers, beginners and experts, in for an inspiring bird week!
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Text: Bird protection in the Netherlands
Photos: Hans Peters. Gilly de Jong
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