Strategically located in the middle of The Netherlands, the provinces of Utrecht, Gelderland and Overijssel have a lot to offer visiting birders. The largest woodlands in The Netherlands can be found here and some of the more difficult woodland birds are easy to find. The first Dutch National Park, De Hoge Veluwe, can be found here and is perfect for a visit for couples with mixed interests. It doesn’t just offer great birding, a world class art museum, large mammals and great scenery are also available in the park. Habitats include; woodland, rivers, marshes and open meadows. Possible birds: (depending on the time of year): Black Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Honey Buzzard, Crested Tit, Savi’s Warbler.

The most western of the Dutch islands in the Wadden Sea. This island is in the north of the country and it is always rewarding to visit it, but even more so during migration. Some of the best and some of the rarest birds in The Netherlands have been found here! Habitats include: coast, woodland, little lakes and open meadows. Because of the geographic location it is a migrant and rarity hotspot! Possible birds (depending on the time of year): Spoonbill, Firecrest, geese, waders, rarities.

One of Europe’s largest and most important wetland reserves, located less than 25 miles from Amsterdam in the Flevoland province. Especially good to visit in spring for warblers and in winter for ducks and geese, but worth a visit any time of the year. White-tailed Eagle is around all year long and watching them hunt a flock of ducks is a truly remarkable sight! Habitats include: marshes, open meadows, lakes and woodland. Possible birds (depending on the time of year): Smew, Spoonbill, Hawfinch, Bluethroat, White-tailed Eagle.

The southernmost province of The Netherlands. An unique landscape with some unique habitats and birds. The province capital of Maastricht is worth a visit by itself, but the birds here should surely get your attention! If you are staying in the western part of The Netherlands, this will be a 2-3 hour drive one way. Habitats include: woodland, quarries, rivers, open meadows and lakes. Possible birds: (depending on the time of year): Eagle Owl, Caspian Gull, Firecrest, warblers.

Another one of the southern provinces. Especially good for woodland species that can be hard to find in other parts of the country. Habitats include: woodland, heath and little lakes. Possible birds (depending on the time of year): Common Crane, Crested Tit, Golden Oriole, Black Woodpecker.

The provinces of Noord-Holland (Northern Holland) and Zuid-Holland (Southern Holland) are ideally located for a good day of birding in The Netherlands if you are coming to Amsterdam airport or if you are staying in one of the major cities in this part of the country: Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Leiden or one of the surrounding cities. Habitats include open meadows, woodland, dunes, lakes and the coast. Possible birds (depending on the time of year): Red-throated Diver, Kingfisher, Nightingale, Golden Oriole, Snow Bunting.

One of the southern provinces of the Netherlands, extremely good for all kinds of birds at any time of the year. Home to the world famous Delta Works that protect the Dutch coastline from the sea and probably the best province to go birding in! Habitats include open water, lakes, meadows and the coast. Possible birds (depending on the time of year): Ducks (both pelagic and sweetwater ducks), Purple Sandpiper, Jack Snipe, geese (up to 10 species a day are possible!), raptors.

The provinces of Noord-Holland (Northern Holland) and Zuid-Holland (Southern Holland) are ideally located for a good day of birding in The Netherlands if you are coming to Amsterdam airport or if you are staying in one of the major cities in this part of the country: Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Leiden or one of the surrounding cities. Habitats include open meadows, woodland, dunes, lakes and the coast. Possible birds (depending on the time of year): Red-throated Diver, Kingfisher, Nightingale, Golden Oriole, Snow Bunting.

The northern part of the Netherlands, consisting of three provinces: Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe. A large variety of habitats and good birding any time of year. Habitats include: Woodland, heath, lakes, open meadows and the coast. Possible birds (depending on the time of year): geese (Lesser White-fronted Goose, Red-breasted Goose and Pink-footed Goose), waders (every autumn Broad-billed Sandpiper), terns, Montagu’s Harrier, rarities.

Not so well known as the island of Texel, but no less interesting; The Dutch Wadden Sea has four other accessible islands: Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog. Each island has its own habitats and specialties and Birding Holland has expert guides available for all of these islands. Every trip starts with a ferry ride from the mainland across the Wadden Sea, a good place to start looking for gulls, terns, waders and seals. Habitats include: coast, woodland, dune valleys, little lakes and open meadows. Because of the geographic location rarities regulary turn up in spring and autumn. Possible birds (depending on the island and the time of year): Spoonbill, thrushes, harriers, pelagic birds, rarities.

Throughout the year many good birds can be found in The Netherlands, but some species simply do not occur in Holland every year or in very low numbers. Birders with a few days available may consider joining us on a 4 or 5 day tour in Germany, starting either in The Netherlands or in Germany. Depending on the time of year birds that can be found relatively easy in Germany include Great Bustard, Black Stork, Red Kite, Black Kite, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Barred Warbler.

Birding Holland has more options to go birding than we can list here. If the location or trip of your choice is not listed in one of the main categories, you will find it here. Do you want to go birding longer, to a location that is not mentioned, do you want to be picked up in Belgium or Germany or dropped off at the place your relatives live? If you want to go birding in Europe outside The Netherlands, we can help you in e.g. Spain, Scotland, Germany or Bulgaria. These European tours can be combined to an European multi-nation trip!