FROM GODWIT TO LAPWING.
SPOT BIRDS NEAR HÚNS.
Many different species of birds can be found in Friesland. In the summer, numerous migratory birds come to Friesland to breed, including godwits, lapwings and oystercatchers. In winter there are many wintering birds in Friesland, such as seagulls, ducks and geese. You can spot many different species in the area around our holiday home in Friesland. From starling to house sparrow. From swift to wren. And from goldfinch to song thrush. We will highlight a number of them for you:
GODWIT
The godwit is one of the best-known birds in Friesland and is easily recognized by its large, dark figure and long, white neck. Godwits breed in large groups in the meadows and marshes of Friesland and can often be heard with their characteristic call.
LAPWING
The lapwing is another important breeding bird in Friesland and can be recognized by its orange breast and white feathers. Lapwings can often be seen in the meadows and fields of Friesland, where they search for food in the ground.​
ROSE FINCH
The rosefinch, with its bright red breast, is a colorful appearance in the Frisian landscape during the breeding season.
Oystercatcher
The oystercatcher is another common bird in Friesland and can be recognized by its black and white striped feathers and long, curved beak. Oystercatchers breed along the coasts of Friesland and can often be heard with their noisy calls.
GULL
Seagulls are easily recognized by their gray feathers and long, sharp beaks. They can often be seen along the coasts of Friesland, where they search for food in the sea.
GADWALL
Ducks are also common in Friesland in winter and come in different species, such as gadwalls, ducks and swans. They can often be seen in the lakes and rivers of Friesland, where they forage for food in the water.
BARNACLE GOOSE
Geese are also often seen in Friesland in winter and come in different species, such as wild geese, Canada geese and barnacle geese. Geese are easily recognized by their long, graceful necks and noisy calls. They can often be seen in the meadows and fields of Friesland, where they forage for food in the grass.
Nuthatch
The nuthatch is an agile climber that lives up to its name by sliding vertically along tree trunks in search of insects.
PIED FLYCATCHER
The pied flycatcher is an elegant bird that deftly catches insects from the air and guards its territory from a branch.
COLLARED RED TAIL
The collared red tail, with its striking orange tail and black collar, is a well-known sight in the gardens and forest edges of Friesland.
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KESTREL
The kestrel, with its characteristic black spots on its white chest and its habit of hunting from high vantage points, is a common bird of prey in Friesland.
LINNET
The linnet, with its soft pink breast and gray head, is a charming songbird that is often found in the grasslands of Friesland.
BUZZARD
The buzzard typically hunts in open terrain, but chooses forest edges for nesting. Its prey usually consists of small mammals, amphibians such as frogs and small birds, but it will also eat carrion if it is available. In Europe, the buzzard is the most common bird of prey.
COOT
Coots have completely black feathers, a white beak and forehead and red eyes. They have large blue-green legs with spread webbed feet. Coots often dive, especially when searching for aquatic plants. They do not like to fly and prefer to run across the water.
CORMORANT
Cormorants often sit on posts near water with their wings spread, mainly to let their plumage dry. They often dive deep and hunt for fish for long periods of time. The breeding period of the cormorant sometimes starts in December and extends until June. Colonies remain occupied until the end of August. They like to breed in colonies close to water with lots of fish.
CHIFFCHAFF
The chiffchaff owes its name to its song, which sounds like "chiff-chaff". This insectivore has a thin, delicate beak. Chiffchaffs are very mobile and often exhibit restless behavior. They are among the first songbirds to return from their winter home, with their song heard as early as March. However, during mid-summer no singing can be heard. The second singing period begins in September and continues until October.
SEA EAGLE
With its imposing stature and impressive wingspan, the sea eagle soars high above the lakes and marshes of Friesland. It feeds on fish and small water birds. With a sharp eye it searches for prey and then strikes with powerful claws. You can admire this impressive spectacle in De Alde Feanen National Park, where it floats majestically above the reed beds. The Lauwersmeer also offers a chance to spot this king of the sky.
BRAMBLING
Bramblings are small birds with gray feathers and a striking black crown. It lives on seeds, buds and insects, and is a permanent resident of Frisian rural gardens and fields. Listen to his cheerful singing. Visit the lush gardens of Martenastate in Koarnjum to spot this charming bird.
COMMON TERN
The common tern is a well-known sight in Frisian nature. Easily recognized by its slender stature, black crown and orange beak. He is an expert in fishing. It is therefore entertaining to see how it dives sharply with its beak for prey in the water. The common tern mainly lives on fish, but other small animals are also on its menu. Listen to its characteristic, shrill whistle and spot the tern in its favorite place, namely the banks of the Frisian lakes and the Wadden Sea.
WIGEON
The wigeon has elegant plumage and a striking yellow spot around its eye. It lives on aquatic plants and seeds, and its distinctive call is a whistling 'whist'. Spot the wigeon in nature reserves such as the Wergeaster Veen and the Groote Wielen, where it likes to stay in the quiet waters.
BIRDWATCHERS
There are of course many other species of birds to see in Friesland, such as starlings, robins and sparrows. The rich nature of Friesland offers a great diversity of birds and is a paradise for bird watchers.
Are you coming to stay in our holiday home for a while? You can enjoy the many birds in our backyard alone. Or take your bike and take your binoculars with you. So you can spot even more special birds.
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BIRD WATCHING AREAS
The province of Friesland is a paradise for bird watchers. You can go anywhere with your camera and binoculars in the vast landscapes and countless bird watching huts.
In the spring, the meadow birds come to life in Lauwersmeer and De Alde Feanen National Park. Natural areas protected by the It Fryske Gea Association . Walk through the grasslands and be enchanted by the gorges with their white bellies and orange breasts that whistle happily.
Step into a bird watching hut along the IJsselmeer and spot bird species such as terns and wigeons. And don't forget to take a trip to Vlieland. Discover the charm of the far north while spotting the majestic sea eagle in the sky. So get out of your holiday home in Friesland and travel to Harlingen for the ferry to Vlieland.
The north of our country offers an unprecedented variety of birds in beautiful surroundings. So grab your binoculars and enjoy
