20220115 Full Day Birding Delta

It’s cold, grey and misty when we arrive at Stellendam but when we first look over the dike we see thousands of Dunlins, Curlew, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Wigeons and Shelducks on the mudflats.

We set up the telescope and among these waders found some Bar-tailed Godwits and Avocets, normally wintering in more southern regions. On the inland lake we find very nice Goldeneyes and from the reed hear Water Rail and Cetti’s Warbler calling.

While driving west we come across a nice mixed flock of Brent and Barnacle but only find a Cackling Canada Goose with a white breast band which might suggest an Aleutian (B. h. leucopareia). While we stop to photograph a Buzzard we hear a Bearded Reedling call from the reed but sadly can’t get a visual on the bird(s).

At the Brouwersdam we are treated with a flock of Eider, a dozen drakes displaying for a single female. They’re so obsessed and swim close by, allowing us to take many nice shots. To make it even better three female Long-tailed Ducks landed near the party so we only had to turn the lens.

A bit further down a male Red-breasted Merganser is fishing close to the shore. We position ourselves up ahead. A flock of Purple Sandpipers and Ringed Plovers pass us while we wait. Two minutes later it swims by in front of us. A Grey Seal comes to check out the weird creatures sitting close to the water. 

After lunch we drove along. Passing a flock of Tundra Bean Goose before we arrive at the spot where the Kingfisher shows her presence. While looking for the Black Brent 5 Grey Partridges come out of the cover. No sign of the Brent but we see some nice Fieldfares and loads of Curlews.

Near Zierikzee we are impressed by the thousands of Golden Plovers, Dunlins, Curlews and Lapwings, even find a leucistic bird of the last. Two female Smew are making use of the dabbling Shovelers and Pintails to disturb the fish. These are not the only fish eating birds, we see a handful of Spoonbills, Little and Great Egrets.

With the last light we end the day with the mixed flock of Flamingo species, among the Caribbean, Chilean and some hybrids are a couple of pure European Flamingo. A tropical sight on a cold Dutch winter day.