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Description
Migration site Culemborg, located in the "Redichemse Waard", is a very good location to observe migrating birds during spring and autumn migration. The site has two posts: one in the west for spring migration and one in the east for autumn migration. The site is located next to the river "Lek" and therefore ideal to observe migration over land by songbirds, like finches, swallows and pipits and migrants following the river, like gulls, terns and waterfowl.
Spring migration is often relaxed and low to medium numbers of birds pass overhead, especially compared to autumn migration. Swallows are often seen is small flocks, like Rândunică, Lăstun de casă and Lăstun de mal. Pipits and wagtails, like Fâsă de luncă, can pass overhead in huge numbers. Thrushes can be seen in small numbers, like Sturz de vâsc and Cocoșar. Sometimes small flocks of Mierlă gulerată can pass overhead or even land near the post. Due to its location next to the river, species like Uligan pescar can be seen often. Also harriers, falcons and buzzards, like Erete de stuf and Șoimul rândunelelor, can pass through the area while (partly) looking for prey. If you're lucky, a Șoim de iarnă passes you by. Waders are also often spotted, following the river, like Bătăuș and Culic mic.
Autumn migration can be very exciting. Huge numbers of migrants can pass overhead in a single morning. Waterfowl can be seen following the river in large flocks, like Lebădă mică, Rață sulițar and Rață fluierătoare. Many species of predatory birds pass overhead, especially later in the morning, like Uligan pescar, Viespar and Erete vânăt. If you're lucky, a Codalb can be spotted. Large numbers of Nagâț roost in the area on the dams or pastures adjacent to the river. Scarce species that follow the river are Pescăruș mic and Pescăruș pontic. Huge numbers of songbird pass the area, like thousands of Cinteză, Fâsă de luncă, Ciocârlie and thrushes. Also large flocks of Porumbel gulerat are often seen, flying in large bubble shaped patterns.
The site ifself consists of pastures with scattered trees and bushes. In spring, many species of common songbird breed here, like Silvie de câmp and Pitulice mică. The fences surrounding the pastures are a good spot for Mărăcinar negru and Mărăcinar mare. Near the river, Pescăraș albastru and Fluierar de munte are often present and can pass you very close by. If you're lucky and quiet, a beaver might swim in front of you following the river. On the other side of the river, Uliu porumbar breeds in the forested patch and can often be heard calling.
Details
Access
The area is fairly easy accessable. The western post is very easy to reach and a small trail leads to the post on the river dike. You'll have to climb a cattle fench first. The eastern post can be reached by climbing over two fenches (small, wooden steps are made to make your crossing easier), surrounding a fairly wet, wetland-like area. After much rainfall, this part can be very wet and sometimes the post is even unreachable. Just walk to the other post to observe migration.