From relaxing brent geese to greedy wigeons: the Netherlands is a paradise for aquatic birds

Nearly 5,5 million aquatic birds spend the winter months here to rest, fill their bellies and get ready to continue their long journey to Africa. From far and wide, birds come to the Netherlands to overwinter or just to refuel. Why is that? Why is the Netherlands one of their favourite destinations? And how do we maintain this paradise? Let us explain.

Why the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a real hub for migratory birds. By this we mean that a lot of migratory bird routes have a stop in our country. This is no coincidence. The climate is very favourable for aquatic birds. We have many wetlands, which also rarely if ever freeze (any more). And where there is plenty of nutritious grass.

For example, the Netherlands is truly a paradise for geese. More than 90% of all brent geese (which gets its name from its black, or ‘burnt’, colouring) in the world spend the winter in the Wadden area. Of course, it also helps that we are in the middle of the East Atlantic migration route.

Many aquatic birds make this trip every year to seek out the places with the most food and the best temperature. Food is still plentiful in the Netherlands in winter. For both plant and grass eaters and fish lovers. Consider the wigeon, for example.

This cute whistling duck stuffs itself on plants, grass and algae here in winter. It can get 3 times as fat as a result. It then loses all those kilos again flying to Africa.

Let sleeping geese lie

Everyone can help with maintaining the Netherlands as a paradise for birds. Birds overwintering here are looking for peace and quiet. They have just flown a huge distance, need to fatten up for the 2nd leg of the journey, or are exchanging their feathers for a new plumage. If birds are disturbed too often during that period, they avoid those places. And then sometimes they do not ever return again.

Many aquatic birds live in our protected nature reserves such as the Wadden or IJsselmeer area. These sites are part of the European Natura 2000 network and have a Birds Directive. This lists which bird species need extra protection. Rijkswaterstaat, together with provincial councils and other ministries, is taking the lead in making agreements with which we are implementing that protection.

By planting additional vegetation in the areas where the birds live, for instance. Or by creating closed areas where birds can enjoy peace and quiet.

Protection is crucial

Although the brent goose views the Netherlands as a winter paradise, many other bird species are unfortunately not doing so well. That means there are fewer and fewer oystercatchers, grebes and pied avocets flying around in some areas.

So it is very important that we do everything we can to offer them the peace and quiet they need to continue their journey to Africa. Everyone can play a role in that. So our advice is: if you see a remarkable or large group of birds somewhere, by all means enjoy it. But do keep some distance.