Nature and birdwatching excursion to Markdal and Mastbos

The Mastbos is one of the oldest production forests in the Netherlands. It used to be utilised for the production of ship masts. What makes this area so beautiful and diverse is that, between the conifers and deciduous trees, you can also find ponds, heathlands, and peat bogs. As a result, many different beautiful bird species can be discovered! 

The excursion starts along the winding Meuse. Here, you have a chance to spot the Kingfisher, various types of ducks, swans, Little Grebes, Moorhens, and Coots. In the spring, storks frequently nest at the visitor centre of Staatsbosbeheer. 

Further along the bank of the Meuse, Sand martins breed and can be observed beautifully through a telescope. Then, you walk into the Mastbos, where you may encounter different types of tits: Blue Tits, Great Tits, Crested Tits, Coal Tits, and Long-tailed Tits. Four species of woodpeckers also inhabit the Mastbos, including the mysterious Black Woodpecker. 

Additionally, species such as the Chaffinch, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Stonechat, Gray Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Garden Warbler, and Blackcap are present. You also have a chance to see birds of prey such as the Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, and Sp Earthale. 

By the ponds in the forest, keep an eye out for waterbirds. Here, you can spot various species of ducks, Coots, and Little Grebes. Herons, Greenshanks, Spotted Redshanks, and Snipe are also regularly observed here.