Holland
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Holland in the Winter

waterfowl watching at its best!

 Looking for a short productive winter trip? Consider Holland. There are super airfare bargains to Amsterdam in winter, and  it is one of the greatest areas in the world for waterfowl, especially geese. The website www.dutchbirding.nl is current, informative, and a great site guide to the country. 

The following species can be observed in December and January: 

Western Bean Goose

Anser fabalis rossicus

 

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchus

 

White-fronted Goose

Anser a. albifrons

 

 

Anser albifrons flavirostris

Greenland form

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

 

Western Greylag Goose

Anser a. anser

 

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsis

(80% of world population winters here)

Brant Goose

Branta b. bernicla

Dark-bellied form

 

Branta bernicla hrota

Pale-bellied form

 

Branta b. nigricans

Black form

Red-breasted Goose

Branta ruficollis

 

 Canada Goose, Snow Goose, and Ross’s Goose are also encountered as vagrants.

 Holland is the main staging area for Whooper and Bewick’s Swan. Large flocks can be observed in the vegetable fields feeding on unharvested carrots and potatoes.

 Large flocks of Smew and Tufted Duck are encountered throughout the area., other ducks include Eurasian Wigeon, Common Eider, Black Scoter, Greater Scaup, Common Teal, and many other  species which are also found in North America. 

 Holland is also a great area to observe European land birds and alcids.  A long weekend can be a real treat especially for birders interested in waterfowl.

Mike Flieg