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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 Lepelaar and most summers Roerdomp. But it is the reedbed birds that are the real prices here: Rietzanger, Kleine Karekiet, Snor, Cetti's Zanger, Blauwborst, Baardman, Bruine Kiekendief all breed here. Lots of ducks and shorebirds, including one of the last strongholds of Grutto and Wulp can be seen displaying. The area also holds Kwartel, Porseleinhoen and Waterral and in wet years sometimes Kwartelkoning can be heard! The park and scattered Poplar stands still hold Wielewaal and lots of warbler species as well.
In 2024 the area saw two nesting Zeearend. The first successful breeding attempt in Belgium.
In winter 1000s of geese (mostly Kolgans, but also increasingly Toendrarietgans and Brandgans) winter amongst 10000s of Smient, Slobeend, Wintertaling and many more. Grote Zilverreiger come to roost in the willows and both Blauwe Kiekendief and Bruine Kiekendief sleep in the large reedbeds.
Many (local) rarities have been found including Kleinst Waterhoen, Dwergaalscholver, Ralreiger, Poelruiter, Roodkeelpieper, Buidelmees and Waterrietzanger and many more in recent years. Every other year there is a Dwerggans or Roodhalsgans in the region. Steppekiekendief and Visarend halt on their migration. In short: there is always something worth seeing in this remarkable nature reserve managed by Natuurpunt.
Details
Toegang
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).
Terrein en leefgebied
Bos , Wetland , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Grasland/weide , Dal , Rietvelden , Slikken , MeerOmstandigheden
Vlak , Nat , Open landschapRondlopende wandeling mogelijk?
JaTelescoop meenemen?
Kan handig zijnWanneer hier vogels kijken?
Het hele jaar , Lente , WinterToptijd voor dit gebied
Voorjaarstrek , Lente , WinterRoute
Verharde weg , Onverharde wegZwaarte wandeling
GemiddeldToegankelijk via
Te voetVogelkijkhut aanwezig?
JaExtra info
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.