Oosterschelde National Park

Birds

Oosterschelde National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering an array of coastal and migratory birds that thrive in the park’s tidal flats, sandbanks, and salt marshes.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Easily recognizable by its long, spoon-shaped bill, the Eurasian spoonbill wades through shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to catch small fish and crustaceans.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
This striking black-and-white wading bird has an upturned bill, which it uses to skim through the water for food. It is often seen in groups on tidal mudflats.

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Known for its bright orange-red bill and loud calls, the oystercatcher is a common sight along the shoreline, where it pries open shellfish with its powerful beak.

Curlew (Numenius arquata)
With its long, curved bill, the curlew is one of the most distinctive waders in the park. It forages in the mudflats, searching for invertebrates hidden beneath the surface.

Red Knot (Calidris canutus)
A long-distance migrant, the red knot stops in the Oosterschelde during its journey between the Arctic and Africa. These small shorebirds feed in large flocks along the estuary’s rich mudflats.

Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
A winter visitor, the brent goose gathers in large flocks along the salt marshes, feeding on eelgrass and other vegetation before continuing its migration.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This elegant white heron has long black legs and striking yellow feet, which it uses to stir up prey in shallow water. It has become an increasingly common sight in the park.

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Recognizable by its black cap and yellow-tipped bill, the Sandwich tern dives into the water to catch fish, often seen in colonies along the coastline.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Often seen drying its wings on posts or sandbanks, the great cormorant is an expert diver, catching fish underwater with its sharp beak.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
A graceful wader with long legs and an orange-brown chest, the black-tailed godwit is a symbol of Dutch wetland conservation efforts. It breeds in the Netherlands and is a common sight in the Oosterschelde.

With its incredible mix of marine life and bird species, Oosterschelde National Park is a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Oosterschelde National Park is the largest national park in the Netherlands, covering the Oosterschelde estuary. This unique marine environment is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of marine life and coastal species. The estuary’s mix of salt and fresh water creates a habitat for fascinating marine creatures and land-based wildlife.

Common Seal (Phoca vitulina)
The common seal is one of the most well-known marine mammals in the park. These playful and curious creatures are often seen basking on sandbanks or swimming in the estuarine waters, where they hunt for fish like herring and flatfish.

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Larger than the common seal, the grey seal has a more elongated snout and a speckled coat. These powerful swimmers are often spotted near sandbanks, particularly during low tide when they rest between hunting trips.

Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
One of the smallest cetaceans, the harbor porpoise is a shy and elusive species found in the deeper parts of the Oosterschelde. They surface briefly for air, making them a rare but exciting sight.

European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
This critically endangered species uses the Oosterschelde as part of its migration route between freshwater rivers and the Sargasso Sea. Its long, snake-like body allows it to move gracefully through the estuarine waters.

Common Starfish (Asterias rubens)
A vital part of the marine ecosystem, the common starfish thrives on the seabed, feeding on mussels and other shellfish. Its five arms regenerate if damaged, making it a resilient predator.

European Lobster (Homarus gammarus)
Recognizable by its dark blue shell, the European lobster hides among rocky crevices and is a prized catch for local fishers. It plays a crucial role in the underwater ecosystem by feeding on dead fish and small crustaceans.

Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas)
This adaptable crustacean is one of the most abundant species in the estuary. It scavenges along the seabed and is known for its aggressive nature and ability to survive in varying salinity levels.

Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)
Once abundant, the Atlantic cod is an important species in the North Sea and Oosterschelde waters. This predatory fish is known for its distinctive whisker-like barbel under its chin, which helps it locate food.

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Although more commonly found in deeper waters, bottlenose dolphins occasionally venture into the Oosterschelde. Their playful acrobatics and social behavior make them a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts.

Oosterschelde Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
This intelligent cephalopod is famous for its ability to change color and texture to blend into its surroundings. Cuttlefish are particularly active during breeding season, when they display elaborate courtship behaviors.

Birds

Oosterschelde National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering an array of coastal and migratory birds that thrive in the park’s tidal flats, sandbanks, and salt marshes.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Easily recognizable by its long, spoon-shaped bill, the Eurasian spoonbill wades through shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to catch small fish and crustaceans.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
This striking black-and-white wading bird has an upturned bill, which it uses to skim through the water for food. It is often seen in groups on tidal mudflats.

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Known for its bright orange-red bill and loud calls, the oystercatcher is a common sight along the shoreline, where it pries open shellfish with its powerful beak.

Curlew (Numenius arquata)
With its long, curved bill, the curlew is one of the most distinctive waders in the park. It forages in the mudflats, searching for invertebrates hidden beneath the surface.

Red Knot (Calidris canutus)
A long-distance migrant, the red knot stops in the Oosterschelde during its journey between the Arctic and Africa. These small shorebirds feed in large flocks along the estuary’s rich mudflats.

Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
A winter visitor, the brent goose gathers in large flocks along the salt marshes, feeding on eelgrass and other vegetation before continuing its migration.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This elegant white heron has long black legs and striking yellow feet, which it uses to stir up prey in shallow water. It has become an increasingly common sight in the park.

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Recognizable by its black cap and yellow-tipped bill, the Sandwich tern dives into the water to catch fish, often seen in colonies along the coastline.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Often seen drying its wings on posts or sandbanks, the great cormorant is an expert diver, catching fish underwater with its sharp beak.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
A graceful wader with long legs and an orange-brown chest, the black-tailed godwit is a symbol of Dutch wetland conservation efforts. It breeds in the Netherlands and is a common sight in the Oosterschelde.

With its incredible mix of marine life and bird species, Oosterschelde National Park is a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.