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A brackish to saline water body near the coast, providing varying numbers of coastal birds and often some surprises.
The Spuikom is a brackish water body, originally build for flushing the Oostende harbor (but never used for it). Located close to the coast, it attracts a lot of coastal birds and often provides nice views of birds which are otherwise to be seen at a far distance at sea. From fall to spring the Spuikom can attract many species of waterbirds. Often Гоголь, Чомга, Малая поганка and Лысуха are common. Over the last years it has also proven to be a good place for species such as Морская чернеть, Обыкновенная гага, Синьга, Турпан, Морянка, Большой крохаль, Длинноносый крохаль, Луток, Серощекая поганка, Черношейная поганка, Красношейная поганка, Плосконосый плавунчик, Краснозобая гагара, Черноклювая гагара, Чернозобая гагара. Checking the Oyster Breeder often yields Обыкновенный зимородок and waders (Чибис, Камнешарка and others), and Речная крачка during breeding season.
Viewing conditions can be challenging, especially when it is windy. Often the ducks are in the middle of the water body. The Spuikom is used for recreation (mainly sailing), which can disturb the birds. During winter recreation is not allowed in some zones, leaving always some quiet places for birds.
There are different parking opportunities nearby. Depending on wind, weather and where other people have found birds you can choose to park near the Vicognedijk, near the Oyster grower, or near the Polderstraat. Walking around the Spuikom takes ~4km and is a good option when it is not too cold.
It is worth checking Waarnemingen.be and eBird to check which species have been seen recently, as the birds present vary a lot. See the links below.
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