Whereas I’ve visited a couple of birding websites across the Netherlands throughout the course of my Bachelor research, I didn’t go birding lots across the metropolis the place I lived, Maastricht. This is sensible as the realm just isn’t that fascinating for birding, however I additionally was not conscious of a number of the alternatives for some time, or all the time needed to many different issues occurring.
This winter, I used to be again in Maastricht to work on the college as a tutor. On the fowl recording web site Waarneming, I noticed {that a} Nice Northern Diver (Frequent Loon) was discovered on a lake simply south of the town. I needed to take a look at the positioning for the reason that fowl can be a lifer, however work all the time obtained in the best way. I feared the diver would ultimately disappear however after I lastly discovered a while two weeks later, it had nonetheless been reported the day earlier than.
I obtained to the northern shores of the lake however scanning with a scope remained fruitless. After persevering with to cycle to the southern edge, I lastly picked out the Nice Northern Diver after an extended search. Checking afterwards, I noticed it was 800 meters away in foggy climate, most likely one of many more difficult birds I’ve positioned thus far (though in fact this is able to have been far more spectacular had the fowl been self-found). I didn’t have good views in any respect, though after a very long time observing I had managed to select up all of the ID options, and loved watching its completely different searching behaviour in comparison with the plentiful Nice Cormorants.
I used to be very glad about this lifer as I had been hoping to see this species in autumn throughout my keep on Heligoland. I nonetheless proceeded to verify the waterbirds within the nearer neighborhood, realising that getting close-up sightings additionally has its benefits. A suprising discover that made this go to much more value it was a Higher Scaup, which I had solely seen as soon as earlier than within the UK.
The feminine was fairly shy, however I used to be glad to match it to the numerous Tufted Geese that had been round as nicely. As well as, different typical species round included Eurasian Coot, Frequent Merganser, Mallard, and Nice Crested Grebe and Little Grebe. A Water Rail was hidden, calling from the reeds. Terrestrial species didn’t present themselves within the drizzle, however a bunch of Eurasian Siskins supplied a pleasant distraction.
Regardless of the horrible darkish, drizzly climate, this quick outing was thus remarkably rewarding – and I noticed that I shouldv’e been out birding extra steadily over the past three years. One thing particular can all the time flip up!
