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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, Crvenonogi sprudnik, Krivokljuni sprudnik and Crnotrba sprutka to name a few. Several pairs of Leganj breed on the moors, Vijoglava and Obična beloguza pass by on their migration. In the forest areas Crna žuna and Srednji detlić can be seen together with the more common woodpeckers. A few pairs of Crnovrata muharica still breed here. Birds of prey such as Sivi soko, Lastavičar, Jastreb and Osičar breed in or around the area. Recently a pair of Gavran 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 Mišar passing on their way south. Even rarities such as Belorepan and Crni orao have passed over the counting station in recent years.
During autumn and winter Severna zeba and Krstokljun are quite common guests. Veliki svračak 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 Kašičar, Crna roda, Velika bela čaplja during summer and autumn migration. In the winter months several duck species can be observed.