Description
The Donkmeer is one of Flanders biggest lakes of which a large portion of the lake and adjacent meadows are nature reserve. It's an excellent place during the wintering months to spot the mystique Rørdrum. In the center of the lake there is a mixed breeding colony of Gråhegre and Storskarv. The Makrellterne and Hettemåke als breed in the area on natural and artificial breeding islands. Irregular breeding birds are the Dvergrørdrum, Svartglente and Natthegre . From wide reed beds the songs of Cettisanger , Blåstrupe and Sivsanger can be heard in the spring and early summer. During the spring migration it's an excellent site to spot Fiskeørn and rare migratory terns like Svartterne , Hvitvingesvartterne and Hvitkinnsvartterne if you are lucky. In the swamps around the lake you have a good chance to see Dvergspett , Pirol and Granmeis . Quite spectacular during winter months (best period is January) are the massive amounts of gulls who come to overnight at the Nieuwdowk. Depending on the wintry weather over 15.000 Hettemåke , 2.000 Fiskemåke and 500 Gråmåke can be seen.
Details
Access
Parking spaces can be found at the Nieuwdonk and north of the lake at the restaurants and pubs.

