Birding areas · bird migration · bird species
You can go birdwatching in the Netherlands all year round, but every season and birding area has its own species and highlights. Discover the best birding spots along the Wadden Sea, in peat meadows, beside rivers, in the delta and across vast wetlands. Find out which bird species to expect in each area and when to see them.
Why go birdwatching in the Netherlands?
The Dutch coast lies along the East Atlantic Flyway. With mudflats, polders, wetlands and dunes close together, the birdlife changes with every season. That variety makes every walk different: within a short distance, you can explore a new landscape and find completely different birds.
Along the Wadden Sea and in the Zeeland Delta, the tides set the rhythm. At low tide, waders feed on exposed mudflats; at high tide, they gather at high-tide roosts. Spring and autumn migration bring extra species, while islands, salt marshes and dunes provide breeding habitat for terns and plovers.
Further inland, you will find wet meadows, the IJsselmeer region, rivers, wetlands, heathland and woodland. Look for Black-tailed Godwits and Northern Lapwings in spring, and watch for geese and ducks in winter. FaunaMap shows current sightings, hotspots and species that are likely at each location based on more than twenty years of historical data.
Landscapes and biodiversity
Choosing a location based on habitat, season and water levels increases your chances of seeing the right species at the right time. Together, these six landscape types form the heart of the Dutch birding landscape.
At low tide, waders feed on the exposed mudflats. As the tide comes in, they move to salt marshes and inland resting areas along the Wadden Islands and the Frisian and Groningen coast.
Typical species
The extensive reedbeds of the Oostvaardersplassen and the waters of Weerribben-Wieden reward quiet observation. In spring, birds often reveal themselves through song, while open water attracts large groups of ducks in winter.
Typical species
In Waterland, Eemland and southwest Friesland, high water levels and flower-rich meadows make the difference. Shallow flooded fields attract groups of Black-tailed Godwits in early spring. Later, meadow birds defend their breeding territories here.
Typical species
Floodplains along the Rhine, Waal and IJssel change with the water level. In the Biesbosch, freshwater tides, creeks and willow woodland come together. Around the Oosterschelde, birds feed on mudflats at low tide and rest in brackish pools when the tide is high.
Typical species
From Texel to Walcheren, the coast acts as a natural guide for migrating birds. Shrubby dunes provide cover for songbirds. With onshore winds, seabirds can move closer to the coast, especially in autumn.
Typical species
The Veluwe and the sandy soils of Drenthe offer space for woodland birds and open heathland species. Fochteloërveen adds a rare raised bog landscape. In spring, explore woodland edges and listen for calls and birdsong.
Typical species
Birdwatching throughout the year
From winter geese and mergansers to singing reedbed birds and migrating waders, every season reveals a different part of Dutch biodiversity.
January
WinterThe Wadden Sea, Lauwersmeer, IJsselmeer, Delta and river areas attract winter groups of Greater White-fronted Geese, Barnacle Geese and Eurasian Wigeons. Mergansers and a Peregrine Falcon can also be seen over open water and farmland.
Recommended placesGrasslands, floodplains, lakes and quiet water edges. During frost, flocks may move to other areas.
February
WinterWinter visitors are still present in large numbers. In mild years, the first Black-tailed Godwits return, while Northern Lapwings are already active in open farmland. Search polders and floodplains for calling and feeding birds.
Recommended placesFrisian lakes, peat meadows, floodplains and the Wadden region.
March
SpringThe return of meadow birds gets underway. Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Lapwings, Common Redshanks and Eurasian Oystercatchers search for food and suitable breeding sites. From the second half of March, Bluethroats may start singing loudly in reedbeds.
Recommended placesWet polders, grasslands beside lakes and reed-fringed ditches.
April
SpringSpring migration and birdsong arrive together. Bluethroats, Marsh Warblers and Barn Swallows fill reedbeds and ditch banks with sound, while waders rest along mudflats, dunes and other wetlands.
Recommended placesLauwersmeer, Biesbosch, the Wadden Sea and coastal polders.
May
SpringMany summer visitors have now returned. Listen for Marsh Warblers, Icterine Warblers and Eurasian Golden Orioles, and scan shallow water for Common Terns, Black Terns and Eurasian Spoonbills. On islands and along the coast, a good migration day can produce extra species.
Recommended placesReedbed wetlands, dunes, island polders and the southwestern Delta.
June
SummerIn peat meadows, dunes, heathland and wetlands, you can see territorial behaviour, feeding flights and sometimes newly fledged young. Stay on marked paths and give sensitive breeding areas the quiet they need.
Recommended placesOostvaardersplassen, Biesbosch, dunes and meadow bird reserves.
July
SummerAutumn migration is already becoming visible. Waders such as Bar-tailed Godwits, Dunlins and Common Greenshanks gather on mudflats and in estuaries, while Eurasian Spoonbills make use of shallow water and muddy edges.
Recommended placesWadden Sea, Western Scheldt, Oosterschelde and Haringvliet. Plan around high and low tide.
August
SummerMigration gathers pace. Waders rest along the coast and large lakes, while an Osprey or European Honey Buzzard may pass over wetlands and rivers. Swallows gather before departure, bringing the evening sky to life.
Recommended placesCoast, IJsselmeer, Biesbosch and river floodplains.
September
AutumnCoast and open landscapes act as funnels for autumn migration. Northern Wheatears, Whinchats, European Stonechats, pipits and raptors use dunes, polders and dikes as stopover sites. With favourable winds, visible migration can be spectacular.
Recommended placesWadden coast, North Sea coast, coastal dikes, polders and heathland.
October
AutumnOctober is often the peak of autumn migration. Look for groups of finches and thrushes, passing Meadow Pipits and raptors. In Limburg and the eastern Netherlands, Common Cranes may fly over with easterly winds.
Recommended placesWoodland edges, coast, open fields and viewpoints with a clear horizon.
November
AutumnChoose wide viewpoints beside open water and respect closed resting zones for wintering waterbirds. Eurasian Wigeons, Greater White-fronted Geese, Barnacle Geese, European Golden Plovers and Eurasian Curlews may gather in coastal areas, polders and river landscapes.
Recommended placesWadden Sea, IJsselmeer, Delta and river areas.
December
WinterThe Netherlands becomes a winter refuge for birds from the north. Geese, ducks, thrushes and raptors concentrate where water stays open and food is available. During cold spells, flocks move to sheltered coasts and floodplains.
Recommended placesFrisian lakes, Lauwersmeer, Zeeland Delta and the major rivers.
Seasonal information and area examples: Vogelbescherming Nederland, Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer.
Birding areas in the Netherlands
From the salty mudflats of the Wadden Sea to raised bogs, river landscapes and Veluwe woodland, the Netherlands offers a remarkable variety of bird habitats within a short distance. This selection brings together popular and accessible birding areas, each shaped by its own mix of tides, migration, water levels and breeding activity.
Bird Boulevard, Frisian coast and Groningen salt marshes
On Texel, mudflats, dunes and freshwater lakes are all within cycling distance. Follow the Bird Boulevard along the eastern side and combine inland lakes with views across the Wadden Sea. Along the mainland coast, the salt marshes near Holwerd and Noordpolderzijl offer a wide-open landscape with a very different character.
From Jaap Deensgat to Ezumakeeg
This former sea inlet is now a varied landscape of freshwater, reedbeds and open grassland. In spring and autumn, the shallow shores attract many waders, while large groups of geese and ducks arrive in winter. Visit several viewpoints, as wind and water levels strongly influence where the birds gather.
Between Almere and Lelystad
Extensive reedbeds and open water make this an excellent area for wetland birds and White-tailed Eagles. Start at the visitor centre on the Lelystad side or at De Oostvaarders in Almere. You can see many species from the accessible edges, while the closed core area provides the birds with peace and quiet.
A day on the islands in Lake Markermeer
These man-made nature islands offer birds shallow water, mudflats and reedbeds in the middle of Lake Markermeer. From the harbour island, you can walk to several hides and an observation tower. In this open landscape, bird behaviour is easy to watch: terns dive for fish and waders feed along the waterline.
Noordwaard, Hardenhoek and Dordtse Biesbosch
Wide creeks, willow woodland and shallow polders give the Biesbosch its distinctive character. The open parts of Noordwaard attract many waterbirds and raptors. From the water, you experience the creeks at close range, while dikes and viewpoints offer a quiet way to scan the open landscape for birds.
Prunje, inland pools and Plompe Tower
Along the Oosterschelde, the sea dike overlooks a varied landscape of mudflats, brackish pools and wet grassland. Inland nature reserves provide resting areas when the mudflats are covered at high tide. Combine the Prunje with a stop at Plompe Tower for wide views across the Zeeland landscape.
View the raised bog from De Zeven observation tower
This is one of the Netherlands' special raised bog areas, where Common Cranes have bred again since 2001. From De Zeven, you can look out across the open peatland, with pools, wet heath and wide stretches of raised bog. Seeing a Common Crane is always special, but Whinchats, other songbirds and hunting raptors also make a visit worthwhile.
Woodland near Rheden and heathland around Posbank
For woodland and heathland birds, Veluwezoom offers a very different landscape from the watery birding areas elsewhere in the Netherlands. Walk early along woodland edges and listen for woodpeckers. Above the heath, you may hear Wood Larks, while on warm days raptors can appear over the landscape later in the morning.
Iconic birds of the Netherlands
From the elegant Eurasian Spoonbill and iconic Black-tailed Godwit to the striking Pied Avocet, mysterious Eurasian Bittern and impressive White-tailed Eagle, these are five of the Netherlands' most remarkable birds. Find out where to see them and why they belong on every birder's list.
The white Eurasian Spoonbill is a familiar sight along the Wadden Sea and in other shallow wetlands. Look for its long, flat bill as it sweeps through the water to find food.
The Black-tailed Godwit is the sound of spring in the Netherlands. In wet meadow bird areas, you can see it displaying, sounding the alarm and feeding beside ditches. It is a classic species for anyone who wants to see meadow birds in the Netherlands.
With its upturned bill and black-and-white plumage, the Pied Avocet is unmistakable. Look for it around coastal lagoons, salt marshes and shallow lakes, where it sweeps its bill from side to side to find food.
This secretive reedbed heron is more often heard than seen. Patience pays off: between the reed stems, you may suddenly spot its striped neck and heavy bill. It is a species best enjoyed through quiet observation.
The White-tailed Eagle is the impressive raptor of the Dutch delta and large wetland areas. Adults stand out with their broad wings and white tails. Look high above lakes, rivers and rugged floodplains.
Helpful tips and information
Want to know where you have the best chance of seeing migrating birds in the Netherlands, how to reach birding areas or what you need for a successful visit? Below you will find practical information about birding areas, bird hides, access, tides and current sightings.
For large numbers and a wide variety of migrating birds, the Wadden Sea, southwestern Delta and IJsselmeer region are the best places to start. In spring and autumn, Texel, Schiermonnikoog, the Frisian coast and Balgzand are especially interesting. Around high tide, waders and ducks gather on salt marshes and high-tide roosts, so you can watch large flocks from a dike or viewpoint.
In the southwestern Delta, Haringvliet, Oosterschelde and Western Scheldt are important for coastal birds, Eurasian Spoonbills and terns. Marker Wadden and the Oostvaardersplassen are strong choices for migrating waterbirds and wetland species. You can also view the overview of important bird areas in the Netherlands.
There are several bird-rich places you can reach without a car, although the final kilometres may require walking, cycling or taking a ferry. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is one of the easiest options. From Overveen railway station, it is about a fifteen-minute walk to De Kennemerduinen Visitor Centre. Bus 81 from Haarlem also stops at De Kennemerduinen.
For Marker Wadden, take public transport to Bataviahaven in Lelystad and continue by ferry. On the western side of the Oostvaardersplassen, De Oostvaarders nature centre is about a thirty-minute walk from Almere Oostvaarders station. Check current routes and timetables before you leave through Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, Natuurmonumenten and the transport provider.
Many bird hides and viewpoints can be visited without a separate entrance ticket. Natuurmonumenten has a nationwide overview of viewpoints and bird hides, including bird-rich routes around Naardermeer. In the Oostvaardersplassen, you can visit De Zeearend hide, the Praambult viewpoints and several locations along the Oostvaardersdijk from the edges of the reserve.
Along the Wadden coast, dike viewpoints such as Zwarte Haan and the area around Den Oever are easy to reach. Keep in mind that parking, a ferry or a guided excursion may still cost money. Always check whether a viewpoint is temporarily closed to give birds some peace and quiet. View the Natuurmonumenten overview, the birdwatching locations in the Oostvaardersplassen and the information about Zwarte Haan.
Useful starting points for birders include the Oostvaardersplassen Visitor Centre in Lelystad, De Oostvaarders Nature Centre in Almere, Biesbosch Centre Dordrecht and De Kennemerduinen Visitor Centre in Overveen.
You can usually find area maps, walking and cycling routes, current access rules and activities there. In the Biesbosch, visitor centres are also departure points for boat trips and canoe tours. Opening hours and programmes vary by season, so check them with the site manager before you visit.
There is no single nationwide access policy for all nature reserves and national parks. In many areas, you can walk for free on marked paths during the day, but some sections may be closed or accessible only with a guide. Staatsbosbeheer says that most of the nature it manages is accessible, with local rules at the entrance.
Costs often relate to parking, a ferry, a visitor centre or an excursion. Natuurmonumenten charges a contribution at several car parks for non-members, including multiple entrances to Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Before you leave, check access, parking, dog rules and temporary closures with the site manager. See the Staatsbosbeheer access rules and the current information about the Natuurmonumenten parking contribution.
For large flocks, the incoming tide and high tide are usually the most impressive. At low tide, many waders feed on the exposed mudflats. As the water rises, they move to high-tide roosts to rest. From a dike or official viewpoint, you can then see large groups of Red Knots, Eurasian Oystercatchers, Eurasian Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwits and Pied Avocets.
Ideally, plan your visit around one to one and a half hours before high tide and keep your distance from resting areas. At low tide, birds are more spread out, but you can often see their feeding behaviour more clearly. Check tide times beforehand and follow local guidance. Visit Wadden explains this for Zwarte Haan and also provides information about suitable viewpoints along the Wadden coast.
On FaunaMap, you can find current bird sightings from the Netherlands on an interactive map. You can easily record your own field observations and view sightings from other users. You will also find birdwatching hotspots worldwide, plus expected species for each location based on more than twenty years of historical data.
Open FaunaMap before you leave to choose an interesting area and record what you find.
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