De Biesbosch National Park

Birds

De Biesbosch National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its extensive waterways and reed beds providing an ideal habitat for many bird species. Here are some of the most popular and frequently spotted birds in the park:

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
The white-tailed eagle, Europe’s largest bird of prey, has successfully recolonized De Biesbosch in recent years. With its impressive wingspan, this apex predator hunts fish and waterfowl along the waterways.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A rare but exciting visitor, the osprey is a skilled hunter that primarily preys on fish. It is often seen hovering above the water before diving to catch its prey with its powerful talons.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
This striking white wading bird has become a common sight in De Biesbosch. It uses its long legs to wade through shallow waters and its sharp beak to catch fish and amphibians.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Easily recognized by its spoon-shaped bill, this elegant bird sweeps its bill through the water to catch small fish and invertebrates. It breeds in the park’s quiet, undisturbed areas.

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
One of the most colorful birds in De Biesbosch, the kingfisher is often seen darting over the water’s surface. It relies on small fish for food and nests in burrows along riverbanks.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
A nocturnal hunter, the barn owl is often found in open grasslands and farmland around the park. With its silent flight and keen sense of hearing, it preys on small mammals like mice and voles.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
This medium-sized raptor is often seen soaring above the park’s forests and fields. It has a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, and carrion.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
A resident bird of De Biesbosch, the grey heron is frequently spotted standing motionless in shallow water, waiting to strike at fish with its sharp beak.

Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti)
This small but vocal bird is often heard before it is seen. Preferring dense vegetation, the Cetti’s warbler is a year-round resident of the park.

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
A summer visitor to De Biesbosch, the black tern nests in floating vegetation and feeds on insects and small fish. Its agile flight and graceful movements make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

De Biesbosch National Park is a vital refuge for both resident and migratory species, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Popular

De Biesbosch National Park, located in the Netherlands, is a unique freshwater tidal wetland known for its intricate network of rivers, creeks, and willow forests. This dynamic landscape provides a habitat for a rich variety of wildlife, including mammals, amphibians, and fish. Here are some of the most popular species found in the park:

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
The European beaver is one of the most iconic species in De Biesbosch. Once extinct in the Netherlands, they were successfully reintroduced in 1988 and have since flourished. These large, semi-aquatic rodents are known for their dam-building skills, which help shape the wetland environment.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
The Eurasian otter is an elusive but highly valued species in De Biesbosch. These skilled swimmers rely on the park’s abundant fish populations and use dense vegetation for shelter. Their return to the area is considered a sign of improving water quality and ecosystem health.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Although not originally common in the park, wild boars have made their way into the area in recent years. They are known for their foraging habits, which can alter the landscape by disturbing the soil and vegetation.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Roe deer are frequently seen in the wooded areas of De Biesbosch. These small and graceful deer are most active during dawn and dusk, feeding on leaves, shoots, and other vegetation.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
This non-venomous snake is a common reptile in De Biesbosch. It is often found near water, where it preys on amphibians and fish. When threatened, it may release a foul-smelling substance to deter predators.

European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Once abundant but now critically endangered, the European eel uses the waterways of De Biesbosch as a migration route between the Sargasso Sea and European rivers. Conservation efforts are in place to help protect this species.

Pike (Esox lucius)
A top predator in the park’s waters, the pike is a large, ambush-hunting fish that preys on smaller fish and amphibians. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

Bitterling (Rhodeus amarus)
A small freshwater fish with a fascinating reproductive relationship with freshwater mussels. The female lays her eggs inside the mussel, where they develop safely until hatching.

Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
Often found in damp areas, the common toad plays a vital role in controlling insect populations. It secretes toxins from its skin to deter predators.

Northern Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)
This semi-aquatic rodent is an essential part of the wetland ecosystem. It feeds on vegetation and provides food for predators like herons and foxes.

Birds

De Biesbosch National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its extensive waterways and reed beds providing an ideal habitat for many bird species. Here are some of the most popular and frequently spotted birds in the park:

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
The white-tailed eagle, Europe’s largest bird of prey, has successfully recolonized De Biesbosch in recent years. With its impressive wingspan, this apex predator hunts fish and waterfowl along the waterways.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A rare but exciting visitor, the osprey is a skilled hunter that primarily preys on fish. It is often seen hovering above the water before diving to catch its prey with its powerful talons.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
This striking white wading bird has become a common sight in De Biesbosch. It uses its long legs to wade through shallow waters and its sharp beak to catch fish and amphibians.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Easily recognized by its spoon-shaped bill, this elegant bird sweeps its bill through the water to catch small fish and invertebrates. It breeds in the park’s quiet, undisturbed areas.

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
One of the most colorful birds in De Biesbosch, the kingfisher is often seen darting over the water’s surface. It relies on small fish for food and nests in burrows along riverbanks.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
A nocturnal hunter, the barn owl is often found in open grasslands and farmland around the park. With its silent flight and keen sense of hearing, it preys on small mammals like mice and voles.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
This medium-sized raptor is often seen soaring above the park’s forests and fields. It has a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, and carrion.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
A resident bird of De Biesbosch, the grey heron is frequently spotted standing motionless in shallow water, waiting to strike at fish with its sharp beak.

Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti)
This small but vocal bird is often heard before it is seen. Preferring dense vegetation, the Cetti’s warbler is a year-round resident of the park.

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
A summer visitor to De Biesbosch, the black tern nests in floating vegetation and feeds on insects and small fish. Its agile flight and graceful movements make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

De Biesbosch National Park is a vital refuge for both resident and migratory species, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.