Descripción
Its rich and diverse habitats, most of it protected, create a safe place to forage and breed. Lots of herons in the heronry in summer, including the rare Espátula Común and most summers Avetoro Común. But it is the reedbed birds that are the real prices here: Carricerín Común, Carricero Común, Buscarla Unicolor, Cetia Ruiseñor, Ruiseñor Pechiazul, Bigotudo, Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental all breed here. Lots of ducks and shorebirds, including one of the last strongholds of Aguja Colinegra and Zarapito Real can be seen displaying. The area also holds Codorniz Común, Polluela Pintoja and Rascón Europeo and in wet years sometimes Guión de Codornices can be heard! The park and scattered Poplar stands still hold Oropéndola Europea and lots of warbler species as well.
In 2024 the area saw two nesting Pigargo Europeo. The first successful breeding attempt in Belgium.
In winter 1000s of geese (mostly Ánsar careto, but also increasingly Ánsar Campestre de la Tundra and Barnacla Cariblanca) winter amongst 10000s of Silbón Europeo, Cuchara Común, Cerceta Común and many more. Garceta Grande come to roost in the willows and both Aguilucho pálido and Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental sleep in the large reedbeds.
Many (local) rarities have been found including Polluela Chica, Cormorán Pigmeo, Garcilla Cangrejera, Archibebe Fino, Bisbita Gorgirrojo, Pájaro-moscón Europeo and Carricerín Cejudo and many more in recent years. Every other year there is a Ánsar chico or Barnacla cuelliroja in the region. Aguilucho Papialbo and Águila Pescadora halt on their migration. In short: there is always something worth seeing in this remarkable nature reserve managed by Natuurpunt.
Detalles
Accesso
There are quite a few ways to get to the best birding spots. Recently a new gateway to the best places is being build and new watch towers are already in place. The route shown on the map is about 10 km, but of course you can choose to do only a part.
Best way is to enter via the main visitors gate along the Iepersteenweg from Diksmuide to Ieper. It is easily found when you look for the park with large trees when you exit the village of Woumen on your right. There is a visitors centre where you can find an update on the latest sightings, get a map or ask questions (and have a coffee or another drink).
Terreno y habitat
Bosque , Humedal , Árboles y arbustos dispersos , Pradera , Valle , Cañizos , Pisos de barro , LagoCondiciones
Plano , Pantanoso , Paisaje abiertoCamino circular
Sí¿Se necesita telescopio?
Puede ser útilBuena época para el avistamiento de aves
Todo el año , Primavera , InviernoMejor momento para visitar
Migración de primavera , Primavera , InviernoRuta
Camino pavimentado , Camino sin asfaltarCamino difícil de andar
Caminata mediaAccesible vía
A pieEscondite de observación / plataforma
SíInformación extra
Stay on the paths and trails. In the late autumn through winter and early spring, it can be muddy so wellies are then a must have.
Check https://westland.waarnemingen.be/ for the latest sightings and location of the most interesting birds and other wildlife. See the link below.