Go search for the osprey

In 2016, the first pair of ospreys ever bred in the Netherlands... Where? In National Park de Biesbosch! A first, and since then, each year around March 26th, the first osprey, a male, arrives in National Park de Biesbosch. He comes all the way from West Africa and has completed a long and dangerous journey. Once he arrives, he refurbishes last year's nest or builds a new one if necessary, while he waits for the arrival of his mate. On the webcam of Beleef de Lente you can watch live what he is doing and watch videos of the adventures around the nest. 

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The characteristics of this migratory bird

The name gives it away: the osprey only eats fish. With its enormous claws, it fishes large, fat carps and zander out of the water. The eagle is larger and more slender than a light buzzard and has long, angled wings. A broad black stripe runs across its distinctive white head. Furthermore, it is entirely brown. Also, keep your ears open when searching for this special bird of prey; the osprey makes a characteristic high-pitched ringing sound.

Where and when to see?

In National Park De Biesbosch, you can spot ospreys throughout the summer. This is in contrast to other national parks where the osprey only appears during migration periods, from April to May and in September. The chance of seeing an osprey is actually quite high, especially in August when the young have fledged. Take a walk from the Biesbosch Museum Island and see if you can spot the large bird in the sky. And don't forget to enjoy all those other beautiful migratory birds, such as the avocet and the reed warbler.