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Description
The Kalkense Meersen is one of the last strongholds of the (Ευρωπαϊκή) Λιμόζα in Flanders. Annually around 30 breeding pairs can be seen between the hedgerows in the grasslands and meadows. As you walk on the paves between the pollarded willows you go back to medieval times. This habitat is ideal for (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κουκουβάγια , Νανόμπουφος , (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα , Μαυρολαίμης , (Κοινό) Ορτύκι , Λευκός Πελαργός and (Κοινός) Φοινίκουρος . The small streams, ditches and ponds with an abundance of reed vegetation attract Γαλαζολαίμης , Σχοινοποταμίδα , Θαμνοτριλιστής , (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αλκυόνη and with some luck you can even hear a Στικτοπουλάδα calling from the meadows. During winter times alot of 'arctic geese' species come to overwinter on the grasslands, mainly Σταχτόχηνα and Ασπρομέτωπη Χήνα mixed in with flocks of (Ευρωπαϊκό) Σφυριχτάρι.
In the most southern part you can find the subarea 'Wijmeers Ontpoldering' which is connection with the Scheldt river. This area is part of the Sigmaplan to protect the Flemish region from floods. Due to the unique tidal moment of the Scheldt river natural mudflats are created. During migration periods this is an excellent place to spot migrating wader birds like Λασπότρυγγας , Πρασινοσκέλης , Ακτίτης , Λασποσκαλίδρα , Κοκκινοσκέλης , Δασότρυγγας and many more. It's also a good site to see (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρομύτα , (Κοινός) Λευκοτσικνιάς , Νανοδρυοκολάπτης or (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι.
In total over 220 native bird species have been seen in the Kalkense Meersen in the last 20 years. Around 170 native bird species are seen annually.
Details
Access
Parking places can be found in Kalken ('Vaartplein' and in the village center around the church) and Schellebelle (village center, you have to take the shuttle boat over the Scheldt River).