Bird watching excursion

BIRD WATCHING

Bird watching Nieuwstadt and surroundings

In collaboration with B&B Erbuca

By Tom Storken

Birds can be found everywhere, we have the advantage that they do not always have to be seen. Often listening to song or call is enough to tell which species it is. When observing birds, hearing often plays an equally important role as sight. Getting to know bird sounds is easiest when you go out with a bird watcher. Also pay attention to the behavior: way of flying, movement of the bird on a branch or in a tree. Note song, behavior, and bird appearance and silhouette.

What is at least part of the birdwatcher's field equipment: good clothing with unobtrusive colors and appropriate footwear: it can be wet and or muddy in many areas. Furthermore, binoculars and if you want a notebook / pencil for taking notes.

When to watch birds? In principle that is always possible, but when do you have the best chance to see birds? In the (early) spring: mid-March to the end of May when most birds are not yet breeding, but are preparing for this: looking for a partner (courtship behaviour), building a nest, etc. As for the time of day: most birds are very active in the early morning hours and that actually means from sunrise to about 09:00/10:00 am. Even after that they are still busy, but then they are harder to hear / see. Usually a revival follows towards the evening. It is also nice to watch/search for birds in the autumn (eg during bird migration): this can also be done later in the day. I am available on Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday and sometimes on Sunday morning and/or in consultation.

Areas to visit: To keep the walking/travel distance as short as possible, 2 beautiful areas are available in Nieuwstadt and the surrounding area:

Between IJzerenbos and Schalbruch: directly behind the border with Isenbruch (approx. 1 km): Hohbruch, alten Kaulen and edge of IJzerenbos. An area with woods, meadows and fields and lots of shrubbery where you can also see the deer, the fox and, exceptionally, a wild boar. Depending on the period, the Golden Oriole, Black Woodpecker and of course many other birds live here in the summer.

Another nearby area (approx. 1 km) is along the Geleenbeek eo. Since the spring of 2006, this stream has meandered through the landscape again: grassland, pools, scattered trees and traditionally remaining pieces of forest. Many plant and animal species have been given the opportunity to (re)establish themselves here. The area is linked via a standard orchard (picking meadow) to the Vloedgraaf, which is located a short distance away and partly flows through ”'t Hout”. Large grazers are used to manage the area.

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