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Noord Krammer and Nieuwkooper eilanden

province Zuid-Holland  >  Netherlands

A former tidal water was turned into a shallow freshwater lake and has developed itself to a major freshwater bird paradise. Islands form good breeding habitat.

Added* by Leo Linnartz
Most recent update 5 travnja 2020

Description

The area contains huge areas of water plants, that fish use for spawning. Both the billions of plants and young fish attract 10 of thousands waterbirds. Groups of more than 1000 Liska, 1000 Patka Kreketaljka, 1000 Patka Žličarka, or 50 Crnogrli Gnjurac are not uncommon. Riđogrli Gnjurac breeds here and Sjeverni plijenor winters every year with upto 3 individuals. During spring migration 1000s of swallows or swifts can use this site as a stopover, especially in adverse weather. Patka Batoglavica, Patka crninka can be found between the many ducks and the area is a major sleeping area for Mali ronac. The islands hold good breeding bird colonies with Veliki Vranac, Velika Bijela Čaplja, Mala Bijela Čaplja and Siva Čaplja. Also many Sjevernomorska guska and Siva Guska breed there, as well as many ducks. Slavuj, Svilorepa and sometimes Sjenica Mošnjarka breed on the islands. Škanjac and Jastreb breed on the islands and wintering Štekavac are present and several individuals use the area for sleeping.

Details

Access

Go to the tiny harbour of Oude Tonge and from there south towards the Suisendijk. At the end of the Suisendijk the road goes down towards a small recreation field and car park. On foot or by bike follow the cycling path on the dyke to the west. You can continue until the Grevelingen dyke and even beyond.

P.S. good birdwatching starts already before the car park, as the vantage point from the sluices gives a good view on the roosting site of the Štekavac and the canal and harbour may hold Bijeli ronac and Veliki ronac.

Access from the other side is also possible: Take the N59 from Oude Tonge towards Bruinisse. Take the turnoff towards Sint Philipsland. At the roundabout take the side road back towards Oude Tonge and drive beween the N59 and the Krammer lake on a small road, the Zuiderlandse dijk. Birding from your car is possible on that stretch, but be carefull, as more traffic uses this road. Continue untill the road turns right (east), away from the N59. Park your car on the right, just before the road bends back towards the left.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Lake

Conditions

Open landscape , No shadow

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

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Map

Top 5 birds

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