NEW! Netherlands in Winter

This tour is timed to showcase the wealth of wintering specialities that can be found in the polders, dunes, waterways and heathlands of one of our closest European neighbours, yet it is one that doesn’t often feature on British birders’ itineraries.

The extraordinary numbers of geese that graze the rich grasslands of the Low Countries are one of Europe’s great wildlife spectacles. It is not only the sheer numbers that impress, but also the variety. Vast numbers of Barnacle and Greater White-fronted Geese dominate the scene, along with Greylag, Taiga and some Tundra Bean Geese, plus a few Pink-feet in the north-east of the country and Brent along the coasts. Interspersed among these are usually some rarer species, including Lesser White-fronted (small numbers of these delightful, diminutive birds can be found every year, mainly from the small Scandinavian reintroduced population) plus a few Red-breasted, Snow or even Ross’s Geese annually. There is even a self-sustaining population of Bar-headed Geese along the Nederrijn, and we aim to see as many of these species as we can.

The country being so wet, it also boasts a fine selection of ducks and swans, ranging from Bewick’s and Whooper Swan on the lakes, to sea-ducks including large numbers of Goosander and Red-breasted Merganser, and parties of Smew can be seen at close range, the white males looking dazzling; these are joined occasionally by a Hooded Merganser or a Bufflehead to give an unexpected North American flavour. Good numbers of Red-crested Pochard are frequently to be found, and among the flocks of dabbling ducks rarities such as American Wigeon or even Baikal Teal can sometimes be seen.

The coastal dunes and sandy areas often host Snow Bunting and a few Shore Lark, with Twite as an added bonus. Purple Sandpipers and other wintering waders provide variety, and divers and grebes, often including Red-necked, Black-necked and Slavonian Grebe offshore. Raptors are another highlight, with White-tailed Eagle, Marsh and Hen Harrier featuring, while Goshawk is much commoner than it is in the UK.. Merlin hunt over the saltmarshes, and Peregrines can often be seen hunting the finches and buntings.

Another surprise of the Netherlands are the number of cultural opportunities, and on this relaxing tour we take time out to appreciate historic towns and visit the famous windmills at Kinderdijk. The birthplace of Vincent Van Gough, we also explore one or two museums exhibiting some of his and others works, including at the Kröller-Müller – a gallery situated in the heart of the Hoge Veluwe National Park!

Day 1: Arrival to the Netherlands
We fly into Amsterdam (or meet there if travelling by another means such as the Eurostar) and transfer to Middelburg, a beautiful medieval city where we stay for our first three nights. There may be time for some birding en route, looking out for geese, swans and wildfowl in the flooded fields as we travel. 

Days 2 & 3: The Rhine Delta
 Our birding begins around the coastal islands and causeways of the Rhine delta, which since the great floods of 1953 have been tamed by the construction of impressive causeways and dams, creating freshwater lakes where once there were arms of sea. This region, to the south-west of Rotterdam teems with waterbirds and other wintering species, and with numerous birding options we spend two full days exploring this fascinating area. Time spent scouring the huge flocks of Russian White-fronted Geese may yield diminutive, and increasingly rare Lesser White-fronted Goose and we have excellent chances of Barnacle, Pink-footed, Tundra and Taiga Bean Goose too. Red-breasted Goose is recorded annually in the Delta in ones and twos, with herds of Whooper and Bewick’s Swan also in the fields and wetlands. We visit the Brouwersdam, one of the country’s premier sites for sea duck, divers, grebes and coastal waders. Scanning offshore, Eider, Common and Velvet Scoter, (Dark-bellied) Brent Goose, Great Northern and Red-throated Diver, Slavonian, Black-necked and Red-necked Grebe are among the possibilities while on the rocks we may see Purple Sandpiper among the Turnstone. A walk in the dunes may add Snow Bunting and Twite, with chances of Shorelark too in this richly diverse and ever changing part of the Netherlands.

Day 4: The Lower Rhine
Our route will then take us eastwards, along the Nederrijn (Lower Rhine), stopping at various spots along the route to check for any birds and local rarities in the riverside marshes. Pausing to admire the famous row of windmills at Kinderdijk, a number of spots along the river, including the Eiland van Maurik hold interesting bird species incluidng raptors where both Hen and Marsh Harrier possible. If there is time, we can take a walk through the streets of either of the medieval towns of Culemborg or Wijk Bij Duurstede. The nature reserves at Amerongen and De Blauwe Kamer are also excellent spots with elevated tower for observing wildfowl, and we may have a chance to walk around the moat of the spectacular Kasteel Doorwerth, which sometimes holds roosting Tawny or Little Owl. Our precise itinerary today will be directed by recent sightings, before we come to our accommodation in the attractive town of Oosterbeek where we stay for four nights.

Day 5: The Veluwe
Our next base will be quite different to the watery areas we have visited so far. Across the middle of the Netherlands, a large area of sandy heathlands and forests known as the Veluwe can be found, and here we will be looking for some woodland species that are rare or absent in the UK. Walking the trails, Black. Lesser Spotted and (rare) Middle Spotted Woodpecker may be found, as well as Woodlark, Short-toed Treecreeper, Firecrest, Crested Tit and perhaps a wintering Great Grey Shrike. A substantial population of introduced Mandarin Duck can also be seen here, and we enjoy the beautiful open landscapes of the Hoge Veluwe and/or the Veluwezoom National Parks, with their pine and heather-covered expanses. Large mammals including Red Deer, Wild Boar and even Moufflon - an animal more often associated with southern European mountains can also be seen here. In the centre of the remarkable Hoge Veluwe National Park is an outstanding art gallery, the Kröller-Müller Museum, boasting the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world, as well as pieces by Monet, Picasso and Piet Mondriaan. As part of our tour, a break from wildlife watching to indulge in some culture will be offered, while the keener members of the group can continue their wildlife watching within the National Park.

Day 6: The Oostvaardersplassen
Today we head north, aiming for the polder province of Flevoland, which was famously won from the sea from the 1930’s to the 1960’s. Here lies one of Europe’s premier wildlife reserves, the vast expanse of reedbeds, marshes and lakes that make up the Oostvaardersplassen offering a plethora of wildlife opportunities. Here, large grazing animals including Red Deer, Konik ponies and Heck cattle roam the 52 square kilometres, their carcasses attracting scavengers including Red Fox, White-tailed Eagle and in some winters a Rough-legged Buzzard or two. A fabulous network of observation points and hides allows for good observation, and we hope to find a wide range of different raptors, and waterfowl during our day here. Among the goose flocks on the fields, we look especially for Tundra and Taiga Bean Geese, and high numbers of delightful Smew can usually be seen at close range here. Both Hen and Marsh Harriers are usually in evidence, and Bearded Tit can often be heard “pinging” in the reeds. A wonderful day out!

Day 7: Central Netherlands round up
A round up day, our programme depending on which we may be missed so far. Among the possible routes we can take, are a day trip along the Nederrijn or the Waal, or head eastwards from Nijmegen into the Ooijpolder, a wetland area that usually plays host to large numbers of wintering geese and ducks. An alternative will be to travel to the Veluwezoom, another large National Park featuring heather-covered hills (and even a few hairpin bends, not something one expects in the Netherlands!). Woodlark and Great Grey Shrike are both possible here, as are woodpeckers and other woodland species we may have missed. Our route takes us along the river Ijssel, which also holds large number of wintering water birds, and we may have a chance to wander through the streets of the delightful old town of Zutphen. Crossing the border into Germany is another option if there are desirable birding targets there, possibly visiting the attractive medieval town of Kleve (the home of Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife), which is dominated by the impressive Schwanenburg Castle.

Day 8: Birding our way back to Amsterdam and departure
All too soon, our winter birding week draws to a close as we head back towards Amsterdam, calling in at a few birding stops on the way. Our tour ends at Amsterdam airport, though you may wish to extend your stay in what is one of Europe’s most attractive and culturally rich capitals to enjoy highlights such as the Rijsmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or a boat trip along the city’s famous canals.

What's included in your holiday price

• return flight from London – Amsterdam, baggage up to airline included limit. Travel to our starting point in Amsterdam by Eurostar is also possible, please discuss this with our office if preferred.
• Airport transfers, ground transportation, accommodation and meals as specified.
• Entry to all National Parks and Nature Reserves
• Entry fees for museums and cultural sites.
• Tips to hotels and restaurants
• The services of Heatherlea leaders.
• Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included subject to terms and conditions. 

​​​​​​​What's not included in your holiday price

• Travel to and from departure airport before and after holiday, in-flight meal, baggage above airline included limit
• Tips to your guide
• Expenses of a personal nature including drinks and personal insurance.

More information

Accommodation: is in a comfortable hotels with all rooms en suite.
Food: will be traditionally Dutch fare, breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included. Picnic lunches are provided, will be taken in the field and will include a variety of local produce plus soft drinks.
Walking:  The holiday is not strenuous. Leisurely walking, very occasionally over moderately rough terrain. An average level of fitness is required.
Weather:  Typically the temperature in Holland is similar to that of southern England in mid-winter, being mostly in single figures. It can sometimes be more wintry with snow, rain and sunshine all possibilities so be prepared and bring warm clothing, hat, gloves and sturdy footwear.
Insects: are not expected.
Group size: is restricted to 12 clients maximum.
Flights are by scheduled airline, from London. If you would prefer to travel by Eurostar or ahead of the group please confirm a meeting time with our office. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.