The woodcock
Come bird watching on the Wadden!
Birdwatching? There’s no better place than the Wadden!
The Wadden Islands are the ideal destination for bird watching. Of course, we all know the robin, great tit and black-headed gull. But did you know that the islands are also home to rare birds? Here, you can still see the black-tailed godwit, spot the beach lark, a colony of spoonbills or a short-eared owl.
Countless migratory birds
Due to the location between land and sea and the diversity of nature, countless migratory birds find a resting and foraging spot here. Besides meadow birds, forest birds and many species of songbirds, you will also find mudflats. The mudflats are an important stopover for birds to rest, hibernate or breed. On the islands themselves, the salt marshes, dunes with dune valleys, coniferous and deciduous forests, meadows, beaches, the unique mud flats and reed lakes attract unique bird species, such as the avocet, spoonbill and brent goose.
Bird watching on the mud flats
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An ‘all inclusive’ holiday resort for birds
In the Wadden area, birds are in abundance. Thanks to the tides of the Wadden Sea, the mudflats are full of food at low tide. Think plankton, algae, seaweed, young fish, shrimps, worms and shellfish. This abundance attracts waders, gulls and other shorebirds. The alternation of low and high tide ensures that the Wadden area is naturally a gigantic food reservoir.
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The importance of the Wadden
Along the mudflats you can see birds foraging for food on the dry sand or in the shallows.In some places, you will find as many as 600 to 1,000 birds per square kilometre! You will discover the true wealth of the Wadden Sea and immediately understand why this area attracts shorebirds and migratory birds.
Explore the mudflats on
Birds in the forest
I see what you don't see
On all the Wadden Islands you will find both coniferous and deciduous forests. If you cycle or walk through them, you will be met by the many birdsongs.
In summer, it is an art to spot birds properly. Fortunately, you can recognise them by their calls and songs. Do you hear the tapping of the great spotted woodpecker? And the grunting and squeaking of the woodcock?
Bring your binoculars and search high up in the trees for species such as the great tit, nuthatch and goldcrest. You will discover a surprising side of the Wadden, hidden under a green canopy!
The nuthatch
A goldcrest
The great spotted woodpecker
Bird watching on the beach
Unique bird species
On the beach and in the coastal areas of the Wadden Islands, you will come across birds you do not easily see anywhere else, such as meadowlark, sanderling, little tern and Kentish plover. Some birds breed here, while others use the beach as a stopover during their migration.
Open landscape and good visibility
The beach offers a wide view, making it easier to spot birds and observe them well, even at long distances. With binoculars or a telescope, you can easily see how they forage, rest or fly.
Food-rich environment
At low tide, a wealth of food emerges: small shellfish, worms and crustaceans. This attracts many birds, especially waders that scour the sand for a meal.
Seasonal variation
Every season offers something new. Winter sees wintering birds such as eider ducks and sanderlings, while spring and summer see breeding birds such as terns and common terns. During bird migration in spring and autumn, the variety is even greater.
Peace and quiet and natural experience
On the beach, you experience nature in its purest form. The wind, the waves and the open landscape make it a special experience!
The dunes as a bird habitat
The dunes
The dunes of the Wadden Islands are a unique habitat for all kinds of bird species. Due to the variety of sand, shrubs and dune valleys, many birds find a place to breed, rest or forage here. This makes the dunes a great location for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Bird watching in the dunes
Want to spot birds in the dunes of the Wadden Islands? Head out early in the morning or just around dusk, when many birds are most active. Take binoculars with you and pay attention to places with low bushes, open sandy areas and damp dune valleys - this is where you are most likely to get unusual sightings.
Birds you can spot in the dunes on the islands
The Nightingale
The song of the nightingale is very impressive. Yet it is a mysterious bird: it hides in dense bushes, making it an extra challenge to spot it.
The stonechat
With its black head, white collar and orange breast, this bird is a striking sight in the dunes. It often perches on a bush or pole and hunts insects.
Short-eared owl
This rare owl hunts during the day and can sometimes be seen hovering over the dunes, looking for mice. It is best to spot it here in the winter months.
Bluethroat
A true songbird that stands out in spring with its bright blue breast and beautiful song. You find it mostly in wet dune valleys with reeds and shrubs.
Weidevogels
Spotting meadow birds!
Meadows, that's the place to spot meadow birds. The vast meadows and salt marshes of the Wadden Islands are an important habitat for meadow birds. Several species breed and forage here, making the islands a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. On the islands, you can still find the black-tailed godwit, lapwing, redshank and curlew, among others!
Nature organisations and farmers work together to preserve suitable nesting areas, for example by keeping the water level high in the meadows, adapted mowing management and protecting nests.
The oystercatcher
You see this bird everywhere: on the mud flats, on the beach, but mainly in the meadows. Its black and white body combined with the bright orange beak and legs make it instantly recognisable to bird spotters!
The godwit
The black-tailed godwit is the icon of meadow birds and the national bird of the Netherlands. Unfortunately less and less visible, but fortunately still very active on the Wadden Islands. The godwit's call is similar to its name: grut-to grut-to grut-to...
The curlew
The curlew is Europe's largest meadow bird! Do you know the saying: ‘The curlew watches its fly’? Just look at the beak of the curlew, which points downwards. A true stilt-walker found in the Wadden meadows!
The lapwing
See that crest? The lapwing is known for its distinctive crest. But its graceful flight also stands out. In spring, lapwings perform spectacular courtship flights over the grasslands.
To the most beautiful bird spots on the Wadden Sea
Thanks to the varied nature, there is something special to see for every bird lover on the Wadden Islands. On Vlieland, for example, Kroon's Polders is the place to be for hundreds of migratory birds that rest here during their long journey. On Ameland, don't miss The Oerd, a rugged dune area where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views with your binoculars. Schiermonnikoog is often called ‘bird paradise’; in the Westerplas and the Kobbeduinen you can admire shorebirds, egrets and many other species up close.
Bring your binoculars and go out on your own or join a local guide and experience bird watching up close. This way, you can fully enjoy the peace, space and fascinating bird life on the Wadden Sea.
Bird-watching points on Terschelling
On Terschelling, you can enjoy a wide variety of bird species all year round.The island has a varied landscape of dunes, lakes, salt marshes and forests. In summer, you can enjoy the breeding birds and their young, but large groups of winter visitors also stay on the Wadden Islands in winter.
Dune area the Kroonspolders
The Kroonpolders is a dune area with the largest dune lake on Terschelling. The lake can be seen especially well from one of the surrounding dune tops. A good place to watch waterbirds.
Woods near West
Between the trees you will find the great spotted woodpecker and buzzard. In addition, thousands of thrushes can be seen during spring and autumn migration.
Dellewal Bay
At high tide, you can see oystercatchers, redshanks, shelducks and various species of sandpiper here from the dike.
Salt marsh near Stryp
From the high Wadden dike, look out over this important high-tide refuge. You will see curlews, lapwings, spoonbills and common terns. In spring and autumn, you will also see large flocks of black-tailed godwits and red-tailed godwits.
De Boschplaat nature reserve
De Boschplaat on Terschelling is one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands.
The eastern part of the island is formed by high dunes, sandy plains, salt marshes, marshes and a forest that developed all by itself: the Birch Valley. Since 1970, this beautiful area has been a European nature reserve.
The flora and fauna at Boschplaat are diverse. The area is home to a variety of plants. It is also an important breeding ground for some 70 different bird species such as skylark, wheatear, curlew, spoonbill, eider duck and the rare little tern. The Wadden Sea's rich food supply also attracts many migratory birds to Boschplaat every year.
Tip: the Noordsvaarder nature reserve
The Noordsvaarder is one of Terschelling's most beautiful and varied nature reserves. You will find damp valleys, shifting dunes and vast sandbanks. It is an important resting and breeding area for birds. In spring and autumn, migrating birds come to the Noordsvaarder at high tide to rest, and at low tide they forage for food on the tidal flats that have fallen dry. During the breeding season, birds such as avocet, great crested plover, curlew, little tern, peregrine falcon, marsh harrier and hen harrier nest here. In winter, it is a nutritious wintering area for waders, ducks and geese species.
Not done exploring yet?
Then check out all the birding locations on the Wadden Island of Terschelling! Especially during the spring migration (March to June) and the autumn migration (mid-August to November), bird lovers can truly indulge themselves here.
Bird viewpoints on Texel
Texel is a paradise for birdwatchers. Thanks to vast dunes, wet salt marshes and many nature reserves, the island is one of the best places in the Netherlands for bird watching.
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Vogeluitkijkpunt bij Oudeschild
On Texel, you will find many locations where you can spot birds without disturbing them. For example, you will find a bird-watching hut at Ottersaat, near Oudeschild. Here you look out over a shallow area where avocets, spoonbills and various waders like to forage. Take your binoculars or camera with you, because with a bit of luck you will see them up close!
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View platform The Geul
Another must is the viewing platform at De Geul. De Geul is part of Nationaal Park Duinen and can be found on the south-west of Texel. This area is popular with spoonbills that nest here and fish in the shallow water. You can also find various species of ducks, redshanks and gulls. During the breeding season, it is extra lively here.
De Slufter nature reserve
Texel is known for De Slufter, a dynamic salt marsh area and one of the most popular spots among birdwatchers. This special nature reserve is in open connection with the North Sea, so the area is constantly changed by water and wind. The various water channels and salt marsh plants provide an ideal habitat for countless birds. You can spot migratory birds, shorebirds and breeding waders here, especially in spring and late summer.
Bird viewpoints on Ameland
Bird-watching on Wadden Island Ameland is a unique experience thanks to the alternation of dunes, salt marshes and quiet nature reserves. Scattered over the island, you will find many places to spot birds. Below, we highlight three special locations for you.
Nature reserve ‘t Oerd
Walking across the dunes of ‘t Oerd, you soon hear the soft cries of birds overhead. This vast nature reserve on the east side of Ameland is the place to spot all kinds of species, from graceful spoonbills to dunlin. As the sandbanks and dune valleys fill up at high tide, birds like to come here to forage and rest.
Nature reserve the Feugelpolle
Of course, the mudflats cannot be missing here! The Feugelpolle is a small but special nature reserve on the mud flats. The alternation of water and mudflats makes it an attractive habitat for migratory and breeding birds. Look out over the vast Wadden landscape and enjoy the many sounds of shorebirds.
Bird-watching hut Finnegatspad
Ameland's bird-watching hut stands in a fairly low, marshy area, against the dunes and is located between the villages of Ballum and Hollum. The hut is located on the Finnegatspad which borders the Rietpad, a trail system where you are constantly accompanied by birdsong.
Green Beach nature reserve
On the Groene Strand near Ballum on Ameland, you enter a unique transition area of dunes, beach and salt marsh. The area is vast and still developing: new dunes continue to form. This attracts many bird species, such as plovers, spoonbills, short-eared owls and the avocet.
Bird watching points on Schiermonnikoog
Schiermonnikoog is a true bird paradise, with over 300 bird species you can spot here. The alternation of salt marshes, dunes and freshwater lakes means you'll find something special at any time of year. From February, the graceful spoonbills return and over 200 pairs breed on the quiet Oosterkwelder. In autumn and winter, redwings, fieldfares and large flocks of brent geese, among others, settle here. Come and discover this unique nature adventure!
Nature reserve De Balg
De Balg is a special and dynamic sandy plain on the east side of Schiermonnikoog, where nature and tides have created a fascinating landscape. Known for its vast, quiet surroundings, the area is a wonderful example of how islands grow and change under the influence of wind and sea.
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The Westerplas
Experience an unforgettable birding experience at the Westerplas on Schiermonnikoog. This freshwater lake is one of the best places on the Wadden Sea for bird watching. As you walk along the reeds and banks, you will see various migratory birds, such as ducks and waders. Breeding birds, such as the spoonbill, also feel at home here.
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Bird hide De Westerplas
Tip: Take a seat in the sheltered viewing hut early in the morning to watch nature in peace. The Westerplas is easily accessible, so even as a novice birder you can fully enjoy the rich bird world of Schiermonnikoog. Bring binoculars and be surprised by the many species that congregate here. So your visit to the Westerplas will be an adventurous day full of nature and discoveries.
Bird watching points on Vlieland
At these birdwatching spots, you can spend hours peering around. Grab a pair of binoculars and a world will open up for you. These viewing spots provide a real nature experience, where you can enjoy large numbers of birds up close, without disturbing them.
Bird hide in the Second Kroon's Polder
The bird hide in the second Kroon's polder, where many different birds breed on the small islands, such as: cormorant, oystercatcher, avocet, barnacle goose, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull and spoonbill.
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Viewing screen fourth Kroons Polder
The viewing screen on the drift dike runs along the fourth de Kroon's polder. Huge numbers of birds can gather here during high tide. Walk along the shortcut and breathe in the fresh Wadden air. In spring, you can hear the nightingale singing here and sometimes see a nesting spoonbill among the reeds. The shifting dike runs around the polders and provides spectacular views of the area.
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View platform Treesland
From this viewing platform, you look over Vlieland's dunes. You have the chance to see a hunting hen harrier, for example. Also look out for other special bird species, such as stonechat and ringed thrush.
Bomenland is a surprisingly wooded area on Vlieland, hidden among the dunes. You walk here under stately pine trees and breathe in the fresh sea air, while hearing all kinds of birds singing. Explore the winding paths through the greenery and enjoy!
Bird-watching hut at Dodemansbol
Dodemansbol is an old dune peak with a mysterious name that, according to stories, refers to sailors who used to wash ashore here. From the top, you have a wide view of Vlieland and the surrounding Wadden Sea.
From the hut on the south side of the island, you have a great view of many bird species, including various waders, brent geese, peregrine falcon, spoonbill, shelduck, wigeon and pintail.
Activities and excursions
Bird watching as an activity!
During a forest excursion, a guide takes you into the bird-rich forest. But also during a wade excursion, dune excursion or real bird excursion you will learn a lot about birds in the beautiful and unique Wadden area.
If you have become enthusiastic or just want to learn more about the many birds on the Wadden Islands, book an excursion on Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland or Schiermonnikoog!
Huifkart trip gull colony Terschelling
The trip takes place during the breeding season and goes through Boschplaat nature reserve towards the ‘Tweede Duintjes’. This is where the gull colony is located, which is also the breeding ground for eider ducks and spoonbills. During the break, a campfire is lit and coffee/tea is offered.
Upon arrival at the ‘Second Dunes’, there is an excursion with the forest ranger. During the walk, the forester will tell you all about the breeding birds.
Polder Walk “Foegels” Terschelling
Let yourself be amazed and enriched by the stories of the polder and the mudflats, guided by “Eilandmeisje.” While strolling through the polder and along the edges of the mudflats, you’ll encounter countless birds. But which ones are they, and what fascinating stories do they bring? During this walk, Marloes Fopma, Terschelling’s very own storyteller, will accompany you and share everything about the birds, the polder landscape, Oosterend, local traditions, and the mudflats.
Cycling Route “PolderPracht” Terschelling
In the Terschelling polder, large flocks of birds thrive. This is especially true in April, May, and June, when the polder is in full bloom. Meadow birds like the black-tailed godwit, lapwing, and redshank nest here. Hop on your bike and discover the most beautiful spots with the free route map. Along the way, you’ll pass birdwatching areas, farms that protect meadow birds, and shops selling local products.
Duck Decoy Excursion Ameland
Step into the centuries-old duck decoy at the Kooiplaats—east of Buren—and feel the quiet, mysterious atmosphere. Here, you’ll not only learn about the unique catching method but also about Ameland’s history, which goes back to Princess Amalia of Anhalt Dessau.
In about an hour, you’ll discover how people once worked in harmony with nature and why this piece of heritage still leaves such an impression today. It’s a unique chance to experience Ameland in a completely different way!
Bird Exhibitions Ameland
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50 Years of Wadden Bird Counts
Have you ever wondered why some wading birds are on Ameland in summer, while others arrive in winter? The “50 Years of Wadden Bird Counts” exhibition shows how the rhythm of ebb and flow has determined the arrival and departure of countless bird species for decades. You’ll find unique data and stories from five decades of bird research, revealing how Ameland is constantly changing. It’s a perfect opportunity to see with your own eyes how nature and the tides keep influencing each other.
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Birds of Prey on Ameland
Curious how birds of prey and owls manage on Ameland? This exhibition focuses on their breeding season, presenting results from 30 years of research across the island. You’ll see how the number of breeding pairs has changed, and photos and videos will give you a glimpse into the daily life of these impressive birds. A perfect opportunity to explore the power and grace of Ameland’s top predators up close.
More activities and excursions on the islands
Bird Hides on the Wadden
Step into a bird hide and there’s a good chance you’ll spot some of the most beautiful birds in wonderful—and sometimes hidden - places!
Advantages of a Bird Hide
- Spot birds without disturbing them
- Observe birds in their natural habitat
- Often found in stunning, peaceful locations with an unobstructed view
- Shelters you from wind and rain in bad weather
- A place to rest (there are often benches)
- An information point: it usually lists which birds you can spot there
Visit the bird hide on the Wadden Island of Texel
Our Tips for You
Right Season
Spring and autumn are ideal for birdwatching. Not just because of the bird migration, but also because there’s less vegetation, making it easier to see the birds. In summer, you’ll find nesting birds.
Binoculars and Telescope
A pair of binoculars or a telescope is recommended for detailed observation: the bird’s feather color, beak shape, and more. That way, you can distinguish and identify them more easily.
Locations and Routes
Get good information about the right locations, such as special bird hides, so you’ll have a better chance of spotting rare species. And please stay on the paths, so you don’t disturb the birds.
Go with a Guide
Local guides know exactly where to find different bird species. They recognize them quickly by their plumage, behavior, flight patterns, and calls. They also know the birds’ habitat inside out.
Right Time
Tip: head out early in the morning. It’s wonderfully quiet, and you can enjoy the sounds of nature in peace. Also, don’t forget sturdy footwear and layered clothing.
Rent Binoculars
Renting binoculars is a great option! This is available on Terschelling. Whether you’re birdwatching, looking for deer, or simply enjoying the view, binoculars make it all more exciting. You can even use them to stargaze for a closer look at the Milky Way.
Did You Know...
Bird Warden’s Hut on Engelsmanplaat
Have you ever heard of the bird warden’s hut on Engelsmanplaat? It’s located right in the middle of the Wadden Sea, between Ameland and Schiermonnikoog. This tiny spot is a surprising destination for adventurous bird lovers. You can only get there at low tide, often by mudflat walking with a local guide. Once you reach the bird warden’s hut, you’ll feel completely alone in the world, surrounded by birds coming and going.
Rare Steller’s Eider on Texel
The “Steller’s eider” is a rare sight around Texel and the other Wadden Islands. The duck owes its name to the striking white rings around its eyes, which look like spectacles. Although common eiders are abundant on Texel—especially in spring, when you can see groups along the coast—you’ll need real luck to spot a Steller’s eider!
