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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, Fluierar cu picioare roșii, Fluierar cu picioare verzi and Fugaci de țărm to name a few. Several pairs of Caprimulg breed on the moors, Capîntortură and Pietrar sur pass by on their migration. In the forest areas Ciocănitoare neagră and Ciocănitoare de stejar can be seen together with the more common woodpeckers. A few pairs of Muscar negru still breed here. Birds of prey such as Șoim călător, Șoimul rândunelelor, Uliu porumbar and Viespar breed in or around the area. Recently a pair of Corb 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 Șorecar comun passing on their way south. Even rarities such as Codalb and Acvilă țipătoare mare have passed over the counting station in recent years.
During autumn and winter Cinteză de iarnă and Forfecuță are quite common guests. Sfrâncioc mare 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 Lopătar, Barză neagră, Egretă mare during summer and autumn migration. In the winter months several duck species can be observed.