Limosa - Birdwatching and Wildlife Hoildays Worldwide

Trip Report

Wild Goose Chase!

Wed 3rd - Sun 7th December 2003

Leaders: Arnoud van den Berg

Annotated Species List

Seen at several sites on 3/12, 4/12 and 5/12.

Daily seen in high numbers at all wetland sites.

Daily seen, in all areas, often roosting in flocks or flying past. On 7/12, a flock of 50+ remained roosting on poles along the Botshol lake while two Goshawks landed next to them.

This species is still increasing in numbers since it bred for the first time in 1978. From 1998 onwards, it has been seen on all winter tours and even on most days. On 4/12, three were present at Ezumakeeg, Lauwersmeer. On 5/12, we counted 20 at the shores of Vossemeer, including a group of 13. On 6/12, more than five were seen at Oostvaardersplassen near Praamweg. On 7/12, three flew past Praambult and one was present in meadows near Botshol.

Daily seen. A common bird of ditches and meadows. Also present in suburban areas.

Daily seen, usually in small groups in grasslands, often in mixed flocks with other swan species.

Seen on four days. The largest flock of 100s was present in the Wieringermeer near Middenmeer on 3/12. The best views were obtained from a small swimming group at Nieuwe Robbengat at Lauwersmeer on 4/12, with a group of Whooper Swans nearby. On 5/12, large flocks were seen.

Seen on four days. Common but not as numerous as Bewick's Swan. On 4/12, 12 were counted at Ezumakeeg and six at Nieuw Robbengat, Lauwersmeer. On 5/12, c 10 were present at Vossemeer. On 6/12 and 7/12, we watched up to 30 from Praambult, Oostvaardersplassen. A few family flocks were seen in fields in Flevoland on these days.

On 4/12, a handful was seen in a mixed flock at Wierum. On 5/12, in the species' wintering area near Parrega, a flock of 500 was found.

Daily seen, with more than 1000 on 4/12 and 7/12, present in all open areas.

Daily seen, with 10000s a day, being the most abundant Anser goose.

On 5/12, two single adults were seen in mixed flocks of Siberian White-fronted and Barnacle Geese at Ferwoude.

On 5/12, up to 100 were found amidst Barnacle Geese at Workum and Ferwoude, accompanied by many first- and second-generation hybrids with Barnacle Goose. All individuals appeared to be small and dark, ie, showing characters of the subspecies minima from north-western North America.

Daily seen and abundant. Amazingly large flocks of 10000s were enjoyed at Anjum and Workum, Friesland, on 4/12 and 5/12.

On 4/12, we watched singles and pairs foraging on green weeds at the Wadden Sea mudflats off Lauwersoog. On 5/12, one was present in a flock of Barnacle Geese at Ferwoude.

Daily seen in small numbers, except on 6/12.

Numerous and daily seen. High numbers foraging at North Sea, Wadden Sea and IJsselmeer, but also on fresh water lakes such as Botshol on 7/12.

Numerous and daily seen on fresh water, with numbers higher than those of Mallard.

Common and daily seen on fresh water.

Common and daily seen. Largest flocks of more than 300 on 4/12 at Lauwersmeer.

Common and daily seen.

On 4/12, a flock of 70, mostly males, were watched at close range when foraging at Nieuwe Robbengat, Lauwersmeer. On 5/12, one male was seen at Afsluitdijk east of Kornwerderzand.

Common on 3/12 (three at IJmuiden and 100 at Wieringen) and 4/12 (Lauwersmeer). On 6/12, c 50 were present at Oostvaardersplassen.

A male was swimming and diving in a huge flock of diving ducks at Botshol on 7/12.

Liz found this long-staying bird in the huge flock of diving ducks at Botshol on 7/12; before others could be notified, a Goshawk flew past.

Daily seen and numerous.

Daily seen and numerous.

On 3/12, one female was swimming at Den Oever, Wieringen. On 4/12, several were seen in a mixed flock at Lauwersoog.

On 3/12, 12 were present at the harbour of Den Oever. On 4/12, a total of 20 were seen at the Lauwersoog harbour. On 5 December, five (including a nearby adult male) were swimming at Kornwerderzand.

On 3/12, two first-winters were swimming at Kennemermeer, IJmuiden.

Daily seen in small numbers. Most numerous at IJsselmeer on 5/12. On 7/12, more than 30 were present amidst the 100s of Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Wigeon and Gadwall at Botshol.

In total, (only) 10 females and one male were seen at five sites on three days: at Ezumakeeg on 4/12 (one distant female), Afsluitdijk on 5/12 (female in reeds), at Vossemeer on 5/12 (one female and a group of three females and a male), and along the Wolderwijd dike on 7/12 (flock of four females).

On 3/12, three were present at Den Oever. On 4/12, one was seen at Lauwersoog. On 5/12, one was at Makkum.

On 3/12, c 10 were at Den Oever. On 4/12, a male was seen at Lauwersmeer. On 5/12, a beautiful flock of 60+ was foraging along the reeds of Vossemeer (surrounded by Great White Egrets). On 7/12, a flock of 30 was swimming in the canal along Trekweg, Flevoland.

Three males in eclips were swimming at Bovenwater, Knardijk, Flevoland, on 6/12.

On 6/12, we had excellent views of two juveniles north-east of Oostvaardersplassen. As soon as we discovered the birds, we were immediately surrounded by 10s of birders who had been waiting for these birds to turn up. The eagles landed at a carcass and were then flying back and forth together.

On 4/12, three single female-types were seen in the Lauwersmeer area, the first at Ezumakeeg.

On 5/12, a female-sized individual perched in a meadow with geese south of Makkum flew off across the road past us. On 6/12, singles flew past at distance twice, at the Praamweg area in Flevoland. On 7/12, one flew over the Adelaarsweg road in Flevoland. In the afternoon of 7/12, the best views of the species were obtained at Botshol; a first-winter flew overhead and low over the lake to land in a tree after which this and another bird landed on little poles on the shoreline next to cormorants, offering magnificent telescope views.

On 6/12, one was seen flying over Leuvenumse Bos. On 7/12, one flew over Bosruiterweg, Flevoland.

Daily seen and very common, easily more than 30 per day.

On 4/12, an immature flew slowly past Vlinderbalg at Lauwersmeer. On 6/12, two were seen in Flevoland, including an adult male at our lunch site of Praamweg. The latter was again watched at length when hovering close to the Praamweg road on 7/12.

Daily seen in small numbers of about five per day.

On 4/12 a female was perched at Ezumkeeg.

19 Peregrine Falco peregrinus

On 3/12, one flew over the mudflats and harbour of Den Oever. On 5/12, south of Makkum, an adult performed magnificently by attacking a Barnacle Goose on the ground, close to our bus, after which an entire flock of geese took off. On 6/12, two were seen in Flevoland, one of which perched on the ground in the short-grass meadow at the Praambult. On 7/12, Jo had extra time to watch an adult perched on a tower at Aalsmeer, near the airport.

Noted for three days (3/12, 4/12 and 7/12).

Heard several times at close range on 3/12 from reeds at Kennemermeer, IJmuiden. On 6/12, a first-winter was lured into view at the De Kluut hide at Knardijk, Flevoland.

Daily seen and common.

Daily seen and numerous, with some very large flocks.

Numerous during high tide at Den Oever on 3/12, with a compact roosting flock of more than 500. On 4/12, numerous on the mudflats off Lauwersoog. Also common on 5/12 in Friesland.

On 3/12, a dense roosting flock of at least 200 was present at high tide at Den Oever; a single bird was limping near the Den Oever harbour.

On 3/12, 20 were foraging close to shore at Den Oever during high tide.

On 4/12, c 30 were found on the mudflats off Lauwersoog. On 5/12, 100s were seen in Friesland. That day, a beautiful roosting flock amidst Curlews and Lapwings was watched on a bank at Vossemeer. On 6/12, a few flocks were seen at Oostvaardersplassen. On 7/12, a huge flock of 1600 roosted with Lapwings in fields along Zeewolderdijk.

Daily seen and numerous, especially in Friesland and Flevoland.

On 3/12, a flock of 50 was present on the shores of Kennemermeer at IJmuiden.

High numbers of more than 1000 roosted during high tide at Den Oever on 3/12. Several were seen on the mudflats off Lauwersoog on 4/12 and at Vossemeer on 5/12.

On 5/12, two flew past at Workum and 50 were foraging in a meadow with geese south of Makkum.

On 3/12, five were flushed from the Kennemermeer shore at IJmuiden. On 5/12, one flew past in Friesland. On 7/12, one was foraging in front of the De Kluut hide.

On 3/12, more than 100 were roosting at high tide at Den Oever.

On 3/12, 50 were present at Den Oever. On 4/12 and 5/12, 1000s were seen in meadows and on mudflats in Friesland and at Vossemeer.

On 3/12, more than 100 were roosting during high tide at Den Oever. On 4/12, 100s were seen in various areas at Lauwersmeer.

On 4/12, two were foraging in a roadside ditch at Anjum. On 7/12, one was walking in front of the De Kluut hide at Oostvaardersplassen. Also on 7/12, one was flying into a ditch at Botshol.

On 3/12, three were seen at Kennemermeer at IJmuiden. Also on 3/12, two were watched at Den Oever. On 4/12, five were standing on the quay of the Lauwersoog harbour.

Numerous and daily seen.

Abundant. Daily seen, in higher numbers than Black-headed Gull. Often foraging in flocks in meadows.

Common and daily seen, in far lower numbers than Black-headed and Common Gulls.

Almost daily seen in much lower numbers than Herring Gull.

Almost daily seen.

Common and seen on all days except the first, often in mixed flocks with Woodpigeon.

Numerous and daily seen, often in flocks.

Daily seen in low numbers.

On 3/12, one was watched at length near its nesting box high inside a huge barn at Wieringermeer, thanks to local help and a hospitable farmer. When pellets were collected, two birds flew to the other side of the barn, one even to the outside, where it hid in a coniferous tree.

On 3/12, one was seen roosting out-in-the-open in a poplar at Stroe, Wieringen. On 7/12, one was perched on a barn roof at Botshol.

Shortly after sunset on 6/12, a singing bird was heard at Leuvenumse Bos.

During lunch on 3/12, three roosting birds were found in a pine in a garden at Middenmeer. On 4/12, two were showing well in a tree covered by ivy at a Kollum garden.

On 5/12, one flew over the road near Harlingen.

In the morning of 6/12, two were watched when leaving their roosting holes in forest near Harderwijk; in the evening, a pair was seen while entering their roosting holes at a different location.

On 4/12, one was seen at Lauwersmeer. On 5/12, a female landed on a tree near traffic lights at Sneek. On 6/12, up to six were found near Harderwijk and at Oostvaardersplassen. On 7/12, a male was watched at Zeewolde.

On 6/12, a female was seen several times at Leuvenumse Bos.

Heard in flight on 4/12 and 7/12.

On 6/12, one flew past during lunch at Praamweg.

During lunch on 6/12, a flock of 10 flew up from the fields adjacent to Praamweg.

Seen on 4/12 (Lauwersmeer) and 6/12 (Harderwijk) and heard on other days.

Two were seen at Zeewolde on 7/12. Heard on other days.

Common and almost daily seen (except 5/12).

Daily seen and numerous.

Common and almost daily seen (except 6/12). Numerous at Lauwersmeer on 4/12.

Only once noted, on 6/12 at Leuvenumse Bos.

Common on 4/12 at Lauwersmeer and on 7/12 at Zeewolde.

Two were found along the footpath south of the De Kluut hide at Oostvaardersplassen on 6/12.

Numerous at Leuvenumse Bos and Hierden on 6/12, coming at short distances. Also several south of the De Kluut hide at Oostvaardersplassen.

One was present in the garden of the Barn Owl farm in Wieringermeer on 3/12.

On 5/12, a flock with a few males was showing well when flying back and forth at short range in reeds along Workumerwaard. On 7/12, two were seen at the De Kluut hide at Oostvaardersplassen.

On 6/12, flocks were seen at Leuvenumse Bos and Hierden.

On 6/12, several were seen at Leuvenumse Bos and Hierden.

On 6/12, four were watched at close range along the footpath south of the De Kluut hide at Oostvaardersplassen.

On 6/12, a total of 10 was seen at three sites at Leuvenumse Bos; some were getting extremely close, at eye-level, offering great views.

On 6/12, two were seen and several heard at Leuvenumse Bos.

Daily seen and common.

Daily seen and common.

On 6/12, four were seen at Leuvenumse Bos.

On 6/12, four were seen and several heard at Leuvenumse Bos. On 7/12, one was present in trees next to the Baars hotel at Harderwijk. Also on 7/12, a pair was watched in a farm garden at Botshol.

On 6/12 and 7/12, one was present along Praamweg in Flevoland.

Rather common in all wooded areas and daily noted.

Daily seen and numerous.

Daily seen and common.

Only seen on 4/12 and 5/12, in the meadows of Friesland.

Daily seen and numerous.

On 3/12, two singles were seen at the mudflats of Den Oever. On 4/12, one flew over the grasslands of Anjum.

Daily seen and numerous.

Daily seen, common in villages and at the airport.

On 5/12, a total of 10 was seen in hedges near Ferwoude, Friesland.

Daily seen and numerous.

On 3/12, three were seen in a flock of Chaffinches perched on the sea dike of Den Oever. Heard on 6/12 (Oostvaardersplassen) and 7/12 (Zeewolde).

Almost daily seen (except 6/12) and numerous.

Seen on 5/12 (three flying past Vossemeer), 6/12 (50 at Praamweg) and 7/12 (20 at Zeewolde).

On 4/12, c 10 were showing well when bathing in a pool on the road at Lauwersmeer. On 6/12, two were seen at Leuvenumse Bos. On 7/12, c 20 were present in the Zeewolde gardens.

On 6/12, one flew overhead while calling at Leuvenumse Bos. On 7/12, a beautiful red male perched in bright sunlight at Zeewolde.

On 7/12, several individuals, probably a total of six, were seen foraging and drinking in gardens at Zeewolde, offering excellent views.

On 5/12, we had great views of a large flock of 180 foraging on the roadsides at Harlingen.

On 3/12, singles were noted at Kennemermeer and at Den Oever.

Almost daily seen (except 3/12). On 4/12, a total of six was found at Lauwersmeer. On 5/12, four were present in geese meadows near Makkum. Also on 5/12, twice a couple was found in the fields near Vossemeer. On 6/12 and 7/12, several were mixed with other mammals at Oostvaardersplassen.

Numerous (more than 100) at Oostvaardersplassen on 6/12 and 7/12. After sunset on 6/12, two were seen in torch light in a meadow surrounded by forest at Leuvenumse Bos.

Several were seen at Lauwersmeer on 4/12 and Oostvaardersplassen on 6/12 and 7/12.

Many were grazing at Oostvaardersplassen on 6/12 and 7/12.

On 7/12, two seen from the Grote Praambult watch site at Oostvaardersplassen, one walking at short range along the railway track.

{Wild Boar Sus scrofa}

On 6/12, many rootings were encountered in the Leuvenum forest.

Common with one on 4/12 (Lauwersmeer), five on 5/12 (Friesland) and two on 7/12 (Botshol).

On 3/12, one was seen at Den Oever. On 4/12, several were noted at Lauwersmeer.

On 3/12, one was foraging underneath a bird-feeder at Santpoort-Zuid.

{Northern Mole Talpa europea}

Diggings were seen on every day.

On 4/12, one was swimming in the Lauwersoog harbour.