b

Oostende Spuikom

Flanders  >  Belgium

A brackish to saline water body near the coast, providing varying numbers of coastal birds and often some surprises.

Added* by Bastiaan
Most recent update 4 ledna 2021

Description

The Spuikom is a brackish water body, originally build for flushing the Oostende harbor (but never used for it). Located close to the coast, it attracts a lot of coastal birds and often provides nice views of birds which are otherwise to be seen at a far distance at sea. From fall to spring the Spuikom can attract many species of waterbirds. Often hohol severní, potápka roháč, potápka malá and lyska černá are common. Over the last years it has also proven to be a good place for species such as polák kaholka, kajka mořská, turpan černý, turpan hnědý, hoholka lední, morčák velký, morčák prostřední, morčák malý, potápka rudokrká, potápka černokrká, potápka žlutorohá, lyskonoh ploskozobý, potáplice malá, potáplice lední, potáplice severní. Checking the Oyster Breeder often yields ledňáček říční and waders (čejka chocholatá, kamenáček pestrý and others), and rybák obecný during breeding season.

Viewing conditions can be challenging, especially when it is windy. Often the ducks are in the middle of the water body. The Spuikom is used for recreation (mainly sailing), which can disturb the birds. During winter recreation is not allowed in some zones, leaving always some quiet places for birds.

Details

Access

There are different parking opportunities nearby. Depending on wind, weather and where other people have found birds you can choose to park near the Vicognedijk, near the Oyster grower, or near the Polderstraat. Walking around the Spuikom takes ~4km and is a good option when it is not too cold.

Terrain and Habitat

Lake

Conditions

Flat , Wet , No shadow , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

It is worth checking Waarnemingen.be and eBird to check which species have been seen recently, as the birds present vary a lot. See the links below.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area