Limosa - Birdwatching and Wildlife Hoildays Worldwide

With its immense flocks of geese and other waterfowl, impressive range of wintering raptors and every chance of the unexpected, Holland boasts some of the finest winter birding in Europe. Our November 2009 tour turned in a remarkable 118 species, including Red-breasted Goose, Ross’s Goose, 35 Lesser White-fronted Geese, 60 Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, all five grebes, more than 50 Great Egrets, two White-tailed Eagles, Caspian Gull and 22 Long-eared Owls! Add the likes of Goshawk, Water Pipit, Crested Tit and Short-toed Treecreeper that we see most years, and our Dutch Wild Goose Chase offers a perfect panacea to the dull days of winter back home.

From November through to March, the Netherland’s low-lying fields are a haven for geese. All of Europe’s recorded wild species have occurred in recent years - in fact our groups have seen the lot! - mingling with the tens of thousands of Barnacle, Brent, White-fronted and Bean Geese which flock to the Netherlands each winter. There are also large concentrations of ducks to enjoy, with parties of wild swans, smartly-dressed Goosanders and often a few Smew amidst masses of more familiar species.

We usually see plenty of birds of prey, too. Goshawk, Hen Harrier and Rough-legged Buzzard are always on the cards and there’s usually the odd Peregrine and White-tailed Eagle about. This part of Holland is also blessed with some excellent woodlands and one afternoon will find us waiting eagerly beside a Black Woodpecker’s winter roost. With its crimson top-knot and staring white eye, close encounters with this magnificent bird have been a highlight on all our recent tours.

Arnoud van den Berg knows the birds of his native Holland better than anyone, and has led this tour annually for us since our very first Dutch Wild Goose Chase in February 1991. Over the years he’s conjured up a fair few winter rarities for us, too. We’ve seen everything from Snowy Owl and Black Brant to unseasonable Whiskered Tern and Olive-backed Pipit... and not forgetting that now famous Nutcracker, so tame it landed on Chris Kightley’s head!

We stay at an excellent hotel in Harderwijk, with good food, comfortable rooms and a warm welcome assured. We usually manage the odd stop for hot chocolate and Dutch apple tart, too - something of a Limosa tradition on this tour! This is both a cracking trip for beginners as well as one that’s just perfect for anyone in search of a rewarding short break that’s simply crammed with great winter birding. Come, see for yourself!