Discover birds and other animals in the Wadden area
- Theun Plantinga
- Feb 16, 2023
- 3 min read
Friesland for bird lovers: discover De Alde Feanen, the Wadden coast and the Lauwersmeer
Our guests recently visited the beautiful surrounding nature. There are so many beautiful birds, animals, and natural landscapes to admire.
When you think of Friesland, you often think of lakes and water, but for bird lovers, the province is above all a true paradise. With its vast wetlands, dynamic tidal areas, and open grasslands, Friesland is home to three top areas for birdwatching: De Alde Feanen National Park , the Wadden Sea coast near North Friesland Buitendijks, and Lauwersmeer National Park . Each area attracts thousands of birds every year – and a growing number of people who want to admire them.
🪶 National Park De Alde Feanen – breeding area for special marsh birds
In the heart of Friesland lies the water-rich De Alde Feanen National Park , a peat bog where birds play a prominent role. Thanks to its mosaic of reed beds, peat pits, open water, and rough grasslands, this park is an important breeding ground for numerous species. Here you can observe the bittern , the bearded tit , the bearded tit , the marsh harrier , and even the majestic white-tailed eagle .
With bird hides, observation towers, and peaceful boating routes, the area is ideal for nature photographers and budding birdwatchers. Spring is especially spectacular: the song of reed birds fills the air, and sedge warblers, reed warblers, and bluethroats flutter everywhere.
Birding tip: In the morning you have the best chance of hearing a calling bittern or seeing a hunting harrier skimming low over the reeds.
🌊 Wadden Coast North Friesland Outside the dike – migratory bird heaven on the edge of the country
Along the northern coast of Friesland lies one of Europe's most important bird areas: North Friesland Outside the Dike , a rugged and tranquil salt marsh area that is part of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site . Every spring and autumn, a spectacular spectacle unfolds here: the mass migration of millions of birds.
Dunlins, knots, bar-tailed godwits, curlews, avocets, and spoonbills settle here to rest and forage on the mudflats. For many species, this is literally an essential stopover on their way from North Africa to the tundra in the north.
Birdwatching tip: Visit the area near Peazemerlannen or Holwerd in autumn – at the right time you can see tens of thousands of birds in flight at the same time, an unforgettable experience.
🦅 Lauwersmeer National Park – nursery for birds of prey and water enthusiasts
What was once the Lauwerszee is now a bird-rich wilderness where land and water merge. Lauwersmeer National Park has become a hotspot for special species, such as sea eagles , bluethroats , black-necked grebes , black terns , and, in winter, thousands of white-fronted and bean geese .
With its open nature, Lauwersmeer is perfect for birds of prey. The white-tailed eagle has become a permanent resident, but ospreys, hawks, and buzzards are also regularly seen. In spring, the area is awash with bluethroats, and the wetlands are a feast for wading birds and ducks.
Birdwatching tip: From the Jaap Deensgat Birdwatching Hut you have a view of breeding black terns, spoonbills and numerous ducks – take a telescope with you!
📸 Birdwatching in Friesland: different every day
The three areas complement each other beautifully: from breeding birds in De Alde Feanen to migratory birds along the Wadden Sea and wintering birds in Lauwersmeer. What do they have in common? Peace, space, and an unparalleled diversity of species.
Whether you're out and about with binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, Friesland will show you birds you rarely encounter elsewhere. And the best part? Nature is always in motion. No two visits are the same.
Practical tips for birdwatchers in Friesland:
📅 Best period: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for most species.
🔭 Bring a good pair of binoculars – in many areas you can spot birds at great distances.
🧭 Use apps like Waarneming.nl or ObsIdentify to keep track of your observations.
🚲 Many areas are easily accessible by bike via quiet routes.
Discover the fantastic natural areas in the area:
Photos ©️ RP Pistorius
