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Description
Its rich and diverse habitats, most of it protected, create a safe place to forage and breed. Lots of herons in the heronry in summer, including the rare Kašičar and most summers Vodeni bik. But it is the reedbed birds that are the real prices here: Trstenjak rogožar, Trstenjak crvrkutić, Obični cvrčić, Svilorepi cvrčić, Modrovoljka, Brkata senica, Eja močvarica all breed here. Lots of ducks and shorebirds, including one of the last strongholds of Muljača and Velika carska šljuka can be seen displaying. The area also holds Prepelica, Barski petlić and Barski petlovan and in wet years sometimes Prdavac can be heard! The park and scattered Poplar stands still hold Vuga and lots of warbler species as well.
In 2024 the area saw two nesting Belorepan. The first successful breeding attempt in Belgium.
In winter 1000s of geese (mostly Lisasta guska, but also increasingly Guska glogovnjača (tundranska) and Belolika guska) winter amongst 10000s of Zviždara, Plovka kašikara, Krdža and many more. Velika bela čaplja come to roost in the willows and both Poljska eja and Eja močvarica sleep in the large reedbeds.
Many (local) rarities have been found including Mali barski petlić, Mali vranac, Žuta čaplja, Tankokljuni sprudnik, Riđogrla trepteljka, Senica vuga and Istočni trstenjak and many more in recent years. Every other year there is a Mala lisasta guska or Guska crvenovoljka in the region. Stepska eja and Ribar halt on their migration. In short: there is always something worth seeing in this remarkable nature reserve managed by Natuurpunt.
Details
Access
There are quite a few ways to get to the best birding spots. Recently a new gateway to the best places is being build and new watch towers are already in place. The route shown on the map is about 10 km, but of course you can choose to do only a part.
Best way is to enter via the main visitors gate along the Iepersteenweg from Diksmuide to Ieper. It is easily found when you look for the park with large trees when you exit the village of Woumen on your right. There is a visitors centre where you can find an update on the latest sightings, get a map or ask questions (and have a coffee or another drink).
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , Reedbeds , Mud flats , LakeConditions
Flat , Wet , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year round , Spring , WinterBest time to visit
Spring migration , Spring , WinterRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Stay on the paths and trails. In the late autumn through winter and early spring, it can be muddy so wellies are then a must have.
Check https://westland.waarnemingen.be/ for the latest sightings and location of the most interesting birds and other wildlife. See the link below.