20230629 Oostvaardersplassen

Sarah and Lisa, guests from Florida and avid birdwatchers, decided to conclude their
European trip with a full day of birding, aiming to add more European species to their
life list.

After swiftly disembarking from their cruise ship, we departed from the Cruise Port of
Amsterdam and made our way to the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. Our first
stop was to observe the White Storks, and after spotting several other species, we
quickly proceeded to the nature reserve. Even before we began our walk, we were
greeted by various species flying by or calling out.

In the first hide, we had the pleasure of observing a lovely pair of Common Redstarts, who flew on and off with food for their chicks (nesting on the hide's roof). Additionally, we saw Barn Swallows,
a family of Mute Swans, and a beautiful view of the Song Thrush as we exited the
hide.

As we ventured through the forested area, we encountered the usual warblers
such as Chiff-Chaff, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, and more. To our delight, a
cooperative male Blackcap sang loudly right in front of us. A little further along, we
had a good view of the European Goldfinch. Along the reed beds, we had an
excellent sighting of a Cetti's Warbler, which was particularly rewarding as we had
been hearing them throughout the reserve but spotting one proved challenging.

Continuing our round in the reserve, we spotted many birds, with highlights including
the Cuckoo, Spoonbill, Bluethroat, and Great Bittern. As hoped, we were also treated
to a view of the White-tailed Eagle (four in all) and the Marsh Harrier. We observed
the remaining reed warblers (Common, Marsh, Sedge) but I only heard the
Grasshopper Warbler briefly on two occasions. Making our way to the visitor center
for a brief stop and an outdoor lunch (where we spotted a Buzzard flying overhead),
we also enjoyed a nice view of the Spotted Flycatcher.

Following our break, we proceeded to a blind, from which we added several waders
to our day list, including the Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, and the
Northern Lapwing. Driving along the dike of the IJsselmeer, we spotted the Common
Gull, Common Tern, and various other water birds.

Our final stop was another hide where we hoped for a good view of the Kingfisher.
On our walk to the hide, we were fortunate to witness several Kingfishers flying by,
and from the hide itself, we enjoyed a splendid view of one at a reasonable distance,
displaying its beauty (image from a previous BNL trip).

On our way back, we made an attempt to spot the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, but unfortunately, it eluded us. In the end, birding also entails the occasional missed opportunity.
As we drove back to drop off Sarah and Lisa near Schiphol Airport, we made one last
stop. It turned out to be a fruitful decision as we were treated to an exceptional view
of a group of ten (!) Black-necked Grebes (image from another BNL trip)—arguably the
most captivating grebes found in the Netherlands.

For Sarah and Lisa, this day set a record in terms of the number of species observed
within a single day. Well done! We sincerely thank you for another enjoyable day of
birding, and we hope to have the pleasure of seeing you again soon in the
Netherlands!