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Description
600 Hectares of nature reserve in a 1000 Hectares nature complex. The area is easily accesible and has a wide variation of natural habitats.
The larger fens attract migrating waders and waterfowl, punajalkaviklo, valkoviklo and suosirri to name a few. Several pairs of kehrääjä breed on the moors, käenpiika and kivitasku pass by on their migration. In the forest areas palokärki and tammitikka can be seen together with the more common woodpeckers. A few pairs of kirjosieppo still breed here. Birds of prey such as muuttohaukka, nuolihaukka, kanahaukka and Mehiläishaukka breed in or around the area. Recently a pair of korppi was added to the list of birds breeding in the area.
During the autumn migration the migration counting station is manned almost daily throughout September and October and vistors are always welcome to admire the spectacle of thousands of finches, pipits, trushes and, on good days, tens to sometimes a few hundred hiirihaukka passing on their way south. Even rarities such as merikotka and kiljukotka have passed over the counting station in recent years.
During autumn and winter järripeippo and pikkukäpylintu are quite common guests. isolepinkäinen passes by but is not a regular guest.
Details
Access
There are 2 main parking spots, one is on Herseltsebaan 2, 3271 Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, close to the Abbey of Averbode. The other is on 22R5+CF Tessenderlo (Google Maps Pluscode).
The area is best explored on foot, there are a multitude of hiking trails laid out and clearly marked.
Terrain and Habitat
Moors/heathland , ForestConditions
Flat , Hilly , SandyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Autumn , SpringBest time to visit
Autumn migration , SpringRoute
Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The largest Fen is called the "Munninckxsgoor", close tot he parking spot on 22R5+CF Tessenderlo, and it has a bird watching hide. A telescope is usefull, The fen has hosted kapustahaikara, mustahaikara, jalohaikara during summer and autumn migration. In the winter months several duck species can be observed.