Drentsche Aa National Park

Birds

The park’s diverse mix of wetlands, woodlands, and open fields makes it an excellent habitat for many bird species. It is a haven for both resident and migratory birds, attracting birdwatchers from across Europe.

White Stork
A large, elegant bird with a long neck, red legs, and a distinctive black-and-white plumage. White storks are often seen nesting on tall structures and foraging in wet meadows for frogs, fish, and insects.

Eurasian Kingfisher
This strikingly colorful bird, with its bright blue and orange plumage, is often spotted darting over the water. The Eurasian kingfisher hunts small fish and aquatic insects, using its sharp beak to snatch prey from rivers and streams.

Great Grey Shrike
A fierce predator for its size, the great grey shrike is known for impaling its prey, such as insects and small rodents, on thorns or barbed wire. It has a distinctive black mask and a sharp, hooked beak.

Common Buzzard
A medium-sized bird of prey with broad wings and a variable brown plumage. The common buzzard soars over the park’s open fields, hunting for small mammals and carrion. It is one of the most frequently seen raptors in the region.

Northern Lapwing
Recognizable by its iridescent green plumage and distinctive crest, the northern lapwing is a wading bird that thrives in wetlands and open fields. It performs acrobatic flight displays during the breeding season.

Eurasian Spoonbill
This large white wading bird has a long, flat bill that it uses to sweep through shallow waters in search of fish and small aquatic creatures. It is most often seen in the park’s wetland areas.

Barn Owl
A nocturnal hunter with a heart-shaped face and ghostly white plumage, the barn owl silently glides over fields and meadows at night, hunting rodents with incredible precision.

Black Woodpecker
One of the largest woodpeckers in Europe, the black woodpecker is easily recognized by its all-black plumage and red crown. It is often heard drumming on tree trunks as it searches for insects and larvae.

European Nightjar
A cryptic, nocturnal bird that blends perfectly into its surroundings with mottled brown plumage. The European nightjar is known for its eerie churring call and aerial insect-hunting skills.

Grey Heron
A tall, long-legged wading bird often seen standing motionless near rivers and wetlands, waiting to strike at fish and amphibians. Its slow, deliberate movements make it a patient and efficient hunter.

Drentsche Aa National Park offers a rich array of wildlife and bird species, making it a wonderful destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Drentsche Aa National Park, located in the northeastern Netherlands, is a unique landscape shaped by centuries of human interaction with nature. The park is named after the Drentsche Aa, a winding river that has remained largely untouched by modern development. It is known for its diverse habitats, including heathlands, forests, meadows, and fens, which support a variety of wildlife.

European Roe Deer
A common sight in the park, the European roe deer is a small, graceful deer species known for its reddish-brown coat in summer and grayish-brown fur in winter. They are most active during dawn and dusk and can be seen grazing in open fields or moving through wooded areas.

European Badger
One of the largest land predators in the park, the European badger has a distinctive black-and-white striped face and a stocky build. These nocturnal animals live in complex burrow systems called setts and play an important role in maintaining soil health.

Red Fox
This adaptable predator is known for its striking red fur and bushy tail. The red fox is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects, as well as scavenging from human settlements. They are highly intelligent and known for their cunning behavior.

Eurasian Otter
Thriving in the clean waters of the Drentsche Aa river, the Eurasian otter is a semi-aquatic mammal with a sleek, streamlined body adapted for swimming. It preys on fish, amphibians, and small crustaceans and is an important indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Wild Boar
Though not as common, wild boars occasionally roam the park’s forests. These large, muscular animals have bristly coats and strong tusks, using their powerful snouts to dig for roots, insects, and fallen fruit.

European Hedgehog
A small, nocturnal mammal covered in protective spines, the European hedgehog is a frequent visitor to gardens and forest edges in the park. It feeds on insects, worms, and small vertebrates, playing a crucial role in controlling pest populations.

Common Viper
The only venomous snake found in the Netherlands, the common viper is a relatively shy reptile that prefers heathlands and grassy areas. Recognizable by its zigzag pattern along the back, it mainly preys on small rodents and amphibians.

European Pine Marten
A skilled climber, the European pine marten is a rare but fascinating resident of the park’s woodlands. It has a slender body, dark brown fur, and a cream-colored throat patch. It hunts rodents, birds, and insects, often using its agility to navigate the treetops.

Grass Snake
This non-venomous snake is commonly found near water, where it preys on amphibians and small fish. It is recognizable by its olive-green body and distinctive yellow collar behind the head. Despite its harmless nature, it may emit a foul-smelling substance when threatened.

European Beaver
Reintroduced to parts of the Netherlands, the European beaver is a keystone species that plays a vital role in shaping wetland environments. It constructs lodges and dams, creating habitats that benefit many other species in the park.