holidays in The Netherlands

Our holidays are spent on Schiermonnikoog in The Netherlands, with some birding in other parts of the north of the country. The first weeks of July are normally quiet, no exception this time...

In the wetlands around Groningen it is nice birding in summer with lots of waders, ducks and the like. Always Spoonbills around, as well as breeding Whiskered Terns. Two Flamingos giving distant views were a nice bonus. On Tuesday the 2nd I added a Cetti's Warbler near Groningen on my old municipality-list. At Fochtelooerveen I saw two or three Short-toed Snake Eagles (distant views though), some seven or eight Hobby's and a few Cranes. Long time ago for me😊

On the island of Schiermonnikoog it is the most quiet period of the year, but nice birding with a good deal egrets, Spoonbills and the more common species. Some pictures below...

adult Whiskered Terns

Great Egret on the Westerplas, Schiermonnikoog

Greylag Goose

 female Shoveler

 male Mallard

female Mallard with grown young

House Sparrow

adult Stock Dove

Pheasant

Cranes

Spoonbill has a breeding colony on the island of Schiermonnikoog

Spoonbill

Sand Martin