Bird watching at the Lauwersmeer

The Lauwersmeer is more than water. For example, the Kollumerwaard is located in the southwestern part of this national park. With this walk you walk through the swamp forest and the grasslands and reed beds in this area. A route par excellence for bird watching, so take your binoculars with you in addition to waterproof footwear.

T he Zomerhuisbos in the Kollumerwaard is not exactly average. You hardly see conifers or oaks and birches here, but species such as poplar, abel, alder and willow. That makes your walk just that little bit different. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Turtle Dove breed in the forest. During bird migration you can also spot songbirds such as the goldcrest and the matkop. Those who walk at a quiet moment have a good chance of seeing a deer.

The reed beds are home to many marsh birds. In the spring, for example, you can hear a kind of fog horn sounding from the reeds: the characteristic sound of the bittern. This area is also extremely popular with birds of prey. Walking along the grasslands, you can always see a buzzard, harrier or tower people soaring through the air. There is therefore a lot of space, peace and food for birds of prey. So much so that since 2009 a very special bird of prey has been breeding in the Lauwersmeer: the white-tailed eagle. From the viewing hill at the edge of the forest you have a beautiful view of the habitat of this pair. With a bit of luck you will spot one or even both of the sea eagles.

The walking route starts and ends at the parking lot on the edge of the Zomerhuisbos.