Drents-Friese Wold National Park

Birds

Drents-Friese Wold National Park is also home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s mix of forest, heathland, and wetlands provides a haven for resident and migratory birds alike.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, this powerful predator is a rare but thrilling sight in the park. It preys on mammals and birds, using its keen eyesight and silent flight to hunt at night.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Often seen soaring above the open landscapes, this medium-sized raptor hunts small mammals, reptiles, and insects. It is known for its broad wings and piercing call.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
A striking bird with black and white plumage, the great grey shrike is a predatory songbird that impales its prey, such as insects and small rodents, on thorns or barbed wire.

European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
A master of camouflage, this nocturnal bird blends perfectly with the heathland and forest floor. It feeds on flying insects and is known for its distinctive churring call at dusk.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large woodpecker, with its striking black plumage and red cap, is often heard drumming on tree trunks as it searches for insects hidden under the bark.

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
A small but energetic bird, the nuthatch is known for its ability to climb down trees headfirst. It forages for insects and seeds in the park’s woodlands.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
A skilled hunter, the kestrel is often seen hovering in the air while scanning the ground for rodents and insects. It is a familiar sight in the park’s open landscapes.

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
This colorful finch, with its red face and yellow wing bars, is a frequent visitor to the park’s meadows and forest edges, where it feeds on seeds.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Found in the park’s lakes and ponds, this elegant waterbird is famous for its elaborate courtship displays, which involve synchronized movements and head-shaking rituals.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
A ghostly figure at night, the barn owl hunts silently over grasslands and farmland, preying on small rodents. Its heart-shaped face enhances its ability to detect the faintest sounds of its prey.

Drents-Friese Wold National Park offers a remarkable variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Drents-Friese Wold National Park, located in the northern Netherlands, is one of the country’s largest and most diverse natural reserves. It consists of a mix of heathlands, shifting sands, forests, and wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The park is home to many mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, making it a key area for conservation and nature enthusiasts.

European Badger (Meles meles)
This nocturnal mammal is one of the park’s most iconic residents. Badgers live in complex burrow systems known as setts and are known for their strong social bonds and omnivorous diet.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
An adaptable predator, the red fox thrives in the forests and heathlands of Drents-Friese Wold. It primarily hunts small mammals but also eats berries and insects.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
This graceful deer is commonly spotted in the park’s woodlands, especially during dawn and dusk. Roe deer are known for their reddish-brown coats in summer and greyish fur in winter.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Occasionally seen in the park, wild boars forage for roots, nuts, and small animals. Their presence is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem, as they help aerate the soil while searching for food.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
A frequent visitor to the park’s open areas and woodlands, the hedgehog is a small, nocturnal mammal that feeds on insects, worms, and slugs.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the Netherlands, the adder is often found basking in the sun on heathlands and sandy patches. Its bite is rarely dangerous to humans but can be harmful to small animals.

Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris)
Thriving in the park’s ponds and wetlands, this small amphibian undergoes a dramatic transformation from a water-dwelling larva to a land-dwelling adult.

Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
A charming and agile tree-dweller, the red squirrel is often seen in the park’s pine forests, feeding on seeds, nuts, and fungi.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
A non-venomous snake commonly found near water bodies in the park, the grass snake preys on amphibians, fish, and small mammals. It is an excellent swimmer and can often be seen basking in the sun.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Unlike rabbits, hares live above ground and are known for their speed and long legs. They inhabit the park’s open fields and grasslands, where they feed on vegetation.