HOLLAND: Thu 26-Mon 30 November Wild Goose Chase! Limosa Trip Report. report compil ed by tour leader: Arnoud van den Berg

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1 Limosa Trip Report HOLLAND: Wild Goose Chase! Thu 26-Mon 30 November 2009 The very first stop on our November 2009 Wild Goose Chase afforded great views of Long-eared Owls at a winter roost; a couple of days later, we followed up with a further fourteen - including this fine pair - in a beech tree on Noordoost-Polder Arnoud van den Berg. For a more extensive selection of photos taken on our tours to the Netherlands, see our online Gallery feature at report compil ed by tour leader: Arnoud van den Berg 1 Limosa Holidays, Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 0LZ, England tel: +44 (0) fax: +44 (0) info@limosaholidays.co.uk website:

2 Trip Diary 26th November Highlights: 8 Long-eared Owls, 2 Great Egrets, Great Northern Diver, 2 Black Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, 2 Bramblings, and Marsh and Willow Tits. Before 10:30 am, we left Amsterdam s Schiphol airport and we were quickly on the road to Aalsmeer. Our first stop was in a village, where, in a few conifers surrounded by houses, eight Long-eared Owls were asleep. We managed to get excellent telescope views at short range. From here, we took a little ferry across the river to Botshol, where we found our first Great Egrets and a wide variety of ducks. However, despite our efforts, four Ferruginous Ducks seen in recent days managed to keep out of sight. We left for Flevoland and had a good lunch in a nature reserve restaurant. In the afternoon, we first visited the little Harderhaven harbour, on the Flevoland side of Harderwijk, to see a juvenile Great Northern Diver (not a common bird in Holland, with just five present at this time) and to search in vain for Smew, meanwhile enjoying amazing numbers of Great Crested Grebe and Coot. Around three, we entered the mature mixed forest near Harderwijk, part of the vast Veluwe woodlands. First, we watched a feeding Nuthatch by telescope. Then, we made some squeaking sounds which revealed the presence of Bramblings and a Marsh Tit, while several Willow Tits were calling nearby. At four, it was time to check out the winter roosting holes of Black Woodpeckers and, before long, two birds gave a good show. They entered their holes and then seemed to disappear again, flying out of a different hole in the same tree and entering another tree hole! Were there more than two birds or were they trying to deceive us? 27th November Highlights: 60 Red-crested Pochards, 2 White-tailed Eagles, 2 Northern Goshawks, 30 Great Egrets, 2 Caspian Gulls, a leucistic European Starling. The weather during this long weekend was destined to be variable due to a prevailing south-westerly wind, with rain showers and, unusually for this time of year, high temperatures of 9-15C. So it did not come as a surprise that we started this day by waiting at dawn for the rain to stop, sheltering in our bus in the Harderwijk forest. As the rain showed no sign of stopping, we decided to return on another day and set off to enjoy birds from the Kapteinshut at Harderbroek instead. This offered us close-range and quite spectacular views of 60 Red-crested Pochards, nearly all males, calling and displaying while circling around a few females. The first of quite a few Water Rails were also calling nearby without showing. In the surrounding willow and poplar woods, we encountered many Redwings and another Willow Tit. When we left the hide, Arnoud watched a huge raptor flying behind trees... Surely, this had to be a White-tailed Eagle? But, when the telescopes were placed in position, at first only Common Buzzards were showing. Before long though, James rediscovered the bird, perched in a tree across a field. We continued to Praamweg, with its two observation hills overlooking the vast Oostvaardersplassen reserve. Apart from a dramatic sky with grey clouds, sunlight and rainbows, we were impressed by the herds of wild horses, wild cows and Red Deer, not to mention the enormous flocks of Barnacle Geese (a lifer for Ann!) and Lapwings, a total of 30 Great Egrets and a few Red Foxes. A White-tailed Eagle flew at the back of the huge grassland to perch in a tree, but we could not find any Rough-legged Buzzards. Before it started to rain again, we went to the reserve s visitors centre to have our lunch and look over Keersluisplassen waters. In the afternoon, we briefly returned to Praamweg and found an adult Northern Goshawk perched in a tree. Then, we turned west to drive over the dikes bordering the north and west side of Oostvaardersplassen for the rest of the afternoon. We watched 60 Bewick s Swans and flocks of wildfowl, which included some Greater Scaup and Goosanders. At Blocq van Kuffeler, we found and photographed Caspian Gulls, with their typical white winter heads, dark eyes and long slender bills. 28th November Highlights: 35 Lesser White-fronted Geese, juvenile Red-breasted Goose, 100 Tundra Bean Geese, Rednecked Grebe, 7 Horned Grebes, Black-necked Grebe, 2 Little Egrets, Great Egret, Avocets, 2 Spotted Redshanks and 5 Purple Sandpipers. As in previous years, the most reliable information on rare geese had come from the south, notably the former islands of Zuid-Holland and Zeeland. So, instead of travelling north to Friesland, we decided to head south today. It was a Saturday and so a good day to drive past the busy towns of Utrecht and Rotterdam without traffic problems. We decided to have a slow start with a late breakfast at 08:00, because the forecast was for (more) rain in the morning. As we passed the tunnel to the former island of Hoekse Waard and arrived in the meadows near the town of Strijen, the rain indeed stopped (10.0am). Every winter from October to March, these Strijen meadows traditionally attract up to 70 Lesser White-fronted Geese from Lapland. However, it does not mean that these birds are easily found!; some of the meadows are vast and simply too far from any road to watch, and 2 Limosa Holidays

3 the numbers of other geese species can be high. So, we were incredibly lucky to find the first family flocks within just 10 minutes. While Arnoud photographed the nearest flock on the left side of the road, James found more and more little groups on the right side, totalling 35 individuals. Satisfied with the great views, we continued further south. Soon, we found a couple of thousand grey geese on a carrot field close to the road and many of them, a few hundreds at least, appeared to be Tundra Bean Geese. We continued across Overflakkee and onto the Grevelingendam and Philipsdam which connect the former islands of Overflakkee, St Philipsland and Duiveland. It was high tide and we had very close views of flocks of Dark-bellied Brent Geese, several Horned Grebes and a variety of waders, though most of the roosting waders were hidden out of sight to escape the strong southerly wind. Behind the beautiful town of Zierikzee, with its medieval gate and towers, grasslands hold large number of Barnacle and Brent Geese. As last winter, a juvenile Red-breasted Goose was found here two days previously and we met one birder who told us that it was still present. It took at least 15 minutes before Alison was the first to pick it up - in fact walking quite close to us, showing that this colourful bird is often surprisingly tricky to find in amongst flocks of other geese! We decided to have our lunch while overlooking the geese. In the afternoon, we followed the south coast of Schouwen westward, watching the birds of Flaauwers Inlaag and Prunjepolder, including waders such as Avocet and Spotted Redshank, a variety of ducks and two Little Egrets. Our last stop was at Brouwersdam. We slowly drove along the shoreline here, savouring the really close views of Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, Sanderling and Knot. Offshore, we watched nearby Horned and Red-necked Grebes, and some seals showing curiosity. Returning to Goeree, we sifted through yet another large flock of Barnacles and Brents, but we could not find the Red-breasted present here the day before. By now, it was time for an apple pie experience and we decided to stop at the picturesque town of Goeree at the Golden Lion, an establishment which is said to be some 650 years old. Both the chocolate milk and the apple pie were fresh and tasty. Given the short winter days, it was getting dark as we headed back north. We past the more than 20 km row of Rotterdam harbours, one of the largest in the world, a weird contrast with the landscapes we had enjoyed during daylight. We were back at our hotel by half six, in plenty of time for another good meal to conclude an excellent day. 29th November Highlights: Ross s Goose, 20,000 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Red-crested Pochards, female Smew, Great Northern Diver, 8 Great Egrets, 14 Long-eared Owls, 2-4 Crested Tits, Short-toed Treecreeper, Hawfinch. This Sunday, we had another late breakfast from 08:00, and had time to watch a Short-toed Treecreeper in the few old trees between our hotel and the local church. Leaving the hotel, we visited the pine woods east of town, where we walked until we came across a mixed bird flock of Nuthatch, Goldcrests and Coal, Great, Blue and, most importantly, Crested Tits. Then, we went across to Harderhaven, to scan through the many hundreds of ducks. We found two Red-crested Pochards and our only Smew of the trip. Behind the house boats, where Thursday s juvenile Great Northern Diver was again foraging, we checked a few Acer trees and found a lone Hawfinch. From here, we pushed north to explore the geese meadows of Friesland. On our way, we dropped in at Noordoost-Polder, the northernmost and oldest of the three polders that make up Flevoland. Here we asked for the local Long-eared Owl tree - which happened to be right next to where we had stopped, with fourteen birds offering amazing views in a beech! After a picnic lunch, the afternoon was spent discovering the prime Pinkfooted Goose wintering area. Here we met an old friend of Arnoud and a goose specialist, who was checking colour rings of Pinkfeet and told us about the presence of a Snow Goose during previous days. Alas, we could not find it but, later, as were driving in the Barnacle and Greater White-fronted Geese meadows further west, Arnoud s friend phoned to say that he had rediscovered the Snow Goose. We opted for a mini-twitch and returned hastily to Wolsum where, indeed, an unmistakable white goose with black wingtips was present in an enormous flock of Pinkfeet. However, when we had set up our telescopes, we were in for a big surprise - the bird we were looking at was not a Snow Goose but the very much rarer Ross s Goose! When we had had our fill, it was time to retreat and we followed the old forested road back south. Clearly, we deserved another apple pie and chocolate milk or coffee experience, which we took at Riis. 30 th November Highlights: drake Velvet Scoter, drake Ferruginous Duck, 20 Great Egrets, White-tailed Eagle, 1-2 Rough-legged Buzzards, Hen Harrier, Tawny Owl and Peregrine. Our final day. Taking an earlier breakfast at seven today, we packed and left our hotel at 08:30. It was a sunny morning with a clear sky due to an easterly wind. Rough-legged Buzzard was high on our wish list, so we drove directly to Praamweg, at the north-east corner of Oostvaardersplassen. From the look-out, two rather distant but promising buzzards could be seen, perched at the forest edge. Thanks to our patience, we watched one of them flying off and showing all the key features of a Rough-leg. Meanwhile, we had found a White-tailed Eagle perched on a distant hide, a flying ringtail Hen Harrier and some Bearded Reedlings briefly coming out 3 Limosa Holidays

4 of nearby reeds. After this success, we headed west over the dikes bordering the north and west sides of Oostvaardersplassen, to Pampushave harbour in the extreme south-west of Flevoland, opposite Amsterdam. Searching through a large flock of Common Pochard, Tufted Duck and Greater Scaup, we found a beautiful drake Ferruginous Duck and an even more impressive male Velvet Scoter. It was still morning and we had enough time in hand to continue further west, beyond the airport, to the suburbs of Haarlem. Our first stop was a stake-out for a Tawny Owl and, sure enough, this bird was showing well, on top of its roosting hole in a brokenoff oak tree beside the road. We continued on to Spaarndam to show Ann the statue of the fairy-tale boy holding his finger in a dike, and out towards an old windmill with picnic tables. From here, we enjoyed a good view of a female Peregrine, perched on top of a communications tower. At 15:00, it was time to return to nearby Schiphol airport and say our farewells at the end of another highly successful Dutch Wild Goose Chase. Arnoud B van den Berg December 2009 Systematic list of species recorded (Total bird species recorded by group =118. Key: I = introduced species) Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus I A handful noted on every day. Tundra Bean Goose Anser serrirostris rossicus Flying flocks seen on every day except the first, eg, at Oostvaardersplassen on 27/11 (20), at Marknesse on 29/11 (20) and at Haarlem on 30/11 (50). A mixed flock with White-fronted Geese was encountered in an arable field near Strijen, presenting close views and photographs, on 28/11. A single bird was roosting at high tide along the road on Philipsdam on 28/11. Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchos In the Friesland lakes area, in total more than individuals in huge flocks were watched on 29/11. Greylag Goose Anser anser Daily seen and numerous. Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons albifrons Daily seen and numerous. On 26/11, up to 100 were present in Greylag flocks near Botshol; on 27/11, we had close views of 200 at Praamweg, Flevoland; and from 28/11 to 30/11 many 1000s were encountered in Zuid- Holland, Friesland and Flevoland. Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus On 28/11, a total of 35 individuals in five flocks were found near Strijen, all without rings, and some were photographed. Ross s Goose Anser rossii On 29/11, one was found in a huge flock of Pink-footed Geese near Wolsum, Friesland. Canada Goose Branta canadensis I On 28/11, a flock of more than 50 was present among other geese at Strijen. A hybrid Greylag Goose x Canada Goose was seen at Botshol on 26/11. Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla bernicla On 28/11, 1000s were present in Zeeland, with small flocks foraging on roadsides at high tide on Grevelingendam and Philipsdam. Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Numerous and seen on every day except the first. At Oostvaardersplassen, an enormous flock was foraging on 27/11 and 30/11. Other huge flocks of 1000s or s were seen at Strijen and on Schouwen-Duiveland on 28/11 and in Friesland on 29/11. Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis On 28/11, a juvenile was observed foraging in a large flock of Brent and Barnacle Geese at the southern side of Zierikzee. Curiously, it occurred at the same site as where another juvenile was seen during last year s Wild Goose Chase. Mute Swan Cygnus olor Daily seen and numerous, especially at the lakes between the former sea coast and Flevoland, north and south of Harderwijk, mixed with large numbers of Bewick s. Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii On 27/11 and 30/11, 60 were present at Lepelaarsplassen, Flevoland. On these days and on 29/11, many were seen at distance on the lakes surrounding Flevoland, and some were present at Oostvaardersplassen. 4 Limosa Holidays

5 Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus On 27/11, two flew over Praamweg, Flevoland. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus I Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Common to numerous and seen on every day. Gadwall Anas strepera It was especially numerous at Botshol on 26/11 and a flock of 500 was afloat at a pier in Markermeer on 27/11. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Numerous and seen on every day except 27/11; numbers higher than those of Mallard. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata At our lunch stop of Keersluisplassen at Oostvaardersplassen, 200 were swimming on 27/11. Several were seen on 28/11. Northern Pintail Anas acuta On 28/11, 20 were seen at high tide along Grevelingendam. On 30/11, 30 were watched from Lage Praambult at Oostvaardersplassen. Common Teal Anas crecca Several were seen on 27/11 (Harderbroek), 28/11 (Prunjepolder) and 30/11 (Oostvaardersplassen). Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina On 27/11, a flock of 60 displaying males and a few females presented breath-taking views at close range from the Kapteinshut in Harderbroek. On 29/11, two males were present in a large diving duck flock along the Wolderwijd dike near Harderwijk. Common Pochard Aythya ferina Numerous and seen on every day, usually in mixed flocks. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca On 30/11, a male was swimming in a flock of Common Pochards and Tufted Ducks at Pampushaven. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Numerous, seen every day; in mixed flocks mostly with Common Pochard but more abundant than the latter. Greater Scaup Aythya marila On 26/11, one female was identified amidst Tufteds at Harderhaven. On 27/11, at least 20 were found in a huge diving duck flock at Blocq van Kuffeler, Flevoland. On 30/11, at least 20 were seen at Pampushaven, also in a mixed flock. Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca On 30/11, a male was seen at Pampushaven. Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Most numerous in the Flevoland area, with flocks at Pampushaven on 30/11. Smew Mergellus albellus Obviously, it had not been cold enough in previous weeks as only a single redhead was found: in a large mixed diving duck flock near Harderhaven on 29/11. Goosander Mergus merganser On 27/11, three were seen at Blocq van Kuffeler. On 30/11, a flock of 10 was swimming behind a boat at Pampushaven. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Common with more than 50 along sea shores in Zeeland on 28/11, especially at Brouwersdam. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis One male was briefly seen in the reeds of Bovenwater on 27/11. Great Northern Diver Gavia immer On 26/11 and 30/11, a juvenile gave close views at Harderhaven. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Numerous to abundant and daily seen. Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus On 28/11, a handful was seen at Grevelingendam and another couple along Brouwersdam. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis On 28/11, one was seen at Grevelingendam. 5 Limosa Holidays

6 Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena On 28/11, one was seen and photographed at Brouwersdam. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Numerous and seen on every day, also present in suburban areas (one waiting at a kitchen door in Spaarndam on 30/11). Great Egret Ardea alba Highest number at Oostvaardersplassen with at least 30 on 27/11 and 30/11. Little Egret Egretta garzetta On 28/11, two singles were seen at Prunjepolder on Schouwen. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis Numerous and seen on every day, in all areas. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Common and up to 10 were seen on every day. Peregrine Falco peregrinus During our picnic lunch on 30/11, we watched an adult perched on a tower between Haarlem and Spaarndam. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla On 27/11, a juvenile flew into a tree at Harderbroek and was watched by telescope. Both on 27/11 and 30/11, an adult was seen at a huge distance at Oostvaardersplassen. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Both on 27/11 and 30/11, a female flew over Oostvaardersplassen. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus One or two seen on every day. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis On 27/11, a male flew past our picnic room at Keersluisplassen and another male was perched in a tree at Praamweg and watched by telescope. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Numerous to common and seen on every day; several individuals showed a lot of white in their plumage. Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus On 30/11, an adult male gave distant views from Lage Praambult, flying from trees over the reeds, capturing a prey, and returning. It was watched by Alison before it flew while others were watching another individual, possibly a first-year, perched on another tree. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus On 27/11 and 30/11, several were heard around and at Oostvaardersplassen. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Common and seen on every day except 27/11. Common Coot Fulica atra Numerous to abundant and seen on every day, with some huge flocks. Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Numerous along the sea shores of Zeeland on 28/11, especially on Philipsdam and Grevelingendam during high tide. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta On 28/11, a distant flock was seen from Volkerakdam while driving and a single individual was watched at Flaauwers Inlaag near Prunjepolder. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Abundant and 1000s seen on every day, also in mixed flocks with Golden Plover. Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Numerous and flocks seen on every day except 26/11; on 27/11, flocks were flying south over Markermeer. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola On 28/11, six were foraging along Brouwersdam and a few were seen along Grevelingendam. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula On 28/11, c 10 were foraging along Brouwersdam. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica On 28/11, just one was seen in a roosting wader flock along Grevelingendam. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Numerous with 100s in Zeeland on 28/11 and in Friesland on 29/11. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus On 28/11, two singles were seen at Prunjepolder. Common Redshank Tringa totanus Numerous in Zeeland on 28/11 with c 100 along Grevelingendam and at Prunjepolder. 6 Limosa Holidays

7 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres On 28/11, 10s were present at Brouwersdam and a few at Prunjepolder and Grevelingendam. Red Knot Calidris canutus On 28/11, 20 were foraging at Brouwersdam. Sanderling Calidris alba On 28/11, a single individual was seen at Prunjepolder and two were at Brouwersdam. Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima On 28/11, five were present at Brouwersdam, with Turnstones and Dunlins. Dunlin Calidris alpina On 27/11, a flock of 10 flew south over Markermeer. On 28/11, c 10 were foraging at Brouwersdam. Common Gull Larus canus The most numerous gull species and seen on every day, often foraging in meadows. Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus On 27/11 and 28/11, at least five were at Markermeer and Brouwersdam, respectively. European Herring Gull Larus argentatus Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans On 27/11, at least two individuals, a third-winter and an adult, were swimming and photographed at Blocq van Kuffeler, and possibly a third one was standing on a nearby dike. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Feral Rock Dove Columba livia domestica I Seen on every day. Stock Dove Columba oenas On 29/11, small flocks were seen in NOP, Flevoland, and in Friesland. Also noted on 30/11. Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common. Tawny Owl Strix aluco On 30/11, one roosting in an oak was photographed at Aerdenhout near Haarlem. Long-eared Owl Asio otus On 26/11, eight were roosting in a conifer at Uithoorn. On 29/11, 14 were counted in a beech tree at NOP. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Common in the woodlands of Harderwijk (26/11 and 29/11). Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius In the evening of 26/11, we watched a male and a female at roosting holes near Harderwijk. Green Woodpecker Picus viridis On 28/11, two flew over the road at the woods south of Brouwersdam. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Seen on every day. Common Magpie Pica pica Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula Rook Corvus frugilegus Common in Friesland on 29/11. Carrion Crow Corvus corone Marsh Tit Poecile palustris On 26/11, at least one was seen at close range at Hierden (where Willow Tits were also present). Willow Tit Poecile montanus On 26/11, several were heard at Hierden. On 27/11, one was seen at Harderbroek. Coal Tit Periparus ater On 29/11, several were heard at the Leuvenum woods near Harderwijk. Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus On 29/11, up to four were found at the Leuvenum woods near Harderwijk. Great Tit Parus major 7 Limosa Holidays

8 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus europaeus On 26/11 and 30/11, a flock was briefly seen. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis On 28/11, just one individual was seen along the pool of Prunjepolder. Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus On 30/11, a few were briefly seen in and above reeds below Lage Praambult. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Common in the Harderwijk woodlands on 26/11 and 29/11. Northern Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Common and seen or heard on every day except in Zeeland on 29/11. Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea On 26/11, one was seen at length at Hierden. On 29/11, one was heard in a mixed species flock at the Leuvenum woods near Harderwijk. Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla On 26/11, one was briefly seen at dusk at Hierden and several were heard. In the early morning of 29/11, one was watched in the trees next to our hotel. European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Numerous and seen on every day; a biscuit-coloured individual was found in a flock at Praamweg on 27/11. Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Only once seen: a small flock of up to 10 in treetops at Praamweg on 30/11. Redwing Turdus iliacus Common and seen on every day except 26/11. European Robin Erithacus rubecula Common and seen or heard on every day except 26/11. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Locally common (eg, at the airport) and noted for three days. Dunnock Prunella modularis One was seen twice at Harderhaven on 26/11 and 29/11, and a few were heard on 27/11. White Wagtail Motacilla alba From the driving bus, a flock of 10 was seen on an arable field near the airport on 26/11. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis A few seen on every day except 26/11. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta On 30/11, a calling individual flew overhead at Praamweg in Flevoland. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Numerous and seen on every day except 28/11. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Two were seen at the Hierden forest on 26/11. European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Common and seen on most days. Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus Heard on 26/11 (Hierden) and 29/11 (NOP). European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Common and seen or heard on most days (at Botshol, Praamweg and Strijen). Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes On 29/11, one was well seen when perched in an Acer tree at Harderhaven. Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus On 27/11 and 30/11, a few were seen and heard in Flevoland. Mammals Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Singles were seen on 28/11 (Strijen) and 29/11 (Wolsum); the latter walked through a huge flock of Pinkfooted Geese. 8 Limosa Holidays

9 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes On 27/11, three individuals were roaming the meadows of Oostvaardersplassen, during the middle of the day. Common Seal Phoca hispida On 28/11, one was briefly seen at Brouwersdam. Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus On 28/11, two were photographed at Brouwersdam, one at close range. Red Deer Cervus elaphus On 30/11 and 1/12, high numbers were seen at Oostvaardersplassen. Tarpan (Konik Wild Horse) Equus caballus I On 27/11 and 30/11, many were seen at Oostvaardersplassen. On 28/11, many were present along Volkerakdam. Aurochs (Heck Wild Cow) Bos taurus I On 27/11 and 30/11, many were seen at Oostvaardersplassen. On 28/11, more than 30 were present along Volkerakdam. {Wild Boar Sus scrofa} On 26/11 and 29/11, many rootings were seen at the Harderwijk woodlands. {Northern Mole Talpa europea} Diggings were seen on every day. 9 Limosa Holidays