Jewel of the Stream: The Beautiful Demoiselle in Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the enchanting Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), or "bosbeekjuffer" in Dutch. This damselfly is renowned for its metallic blue-green body and shimmering wings, making it a captivating subject for nature enthusiasts.

The Beautiful Demoiselle thrives along unpolluted, fast-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly beds, often bordered by lush vegetation. Males are territorial, perching on bankside plants to defend their domain and attract females. Their presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as they are sensitive to water quality and habitat changes.

Capturing this delicate insect with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens was a rewarding challenge. Its graceful flight and vibrant colors highlight the rich biodiversity of Kampina. Moments like these underscore the importance of preserving our natural habitats for future generations to appreciate.

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Wings Over Kampina: A Trio of Avian Encounters

Exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I was privileged to photograph three remarkable bird species, each showcasing the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The first two images capture the Common Buzzard in mid-flight. This raptor, widespread across Europe, is known for its broad wings and rounded tail. Often seen soaring or perched prominently, buzzards are versatile hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, and carrion. Their distinctive "pee-yow" call is a familiar sound in the countryside.

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

The third image features the European Stonechat, a small passerine bird with striking sexual dimorphism. Males display a black head, white neck patch, and orange-red breast, while females are more subdued in coloration. Stonechats inhabit open scrublands and grasslands, often perching conspicuously as they hunt insects.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

The final image showcases the Eurasian Spoonbill gliding against a clear blue sky, with a solitary white cloud as its backdrop. This elegant wader is distinguished by its long, spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to forage in shallow waters. Spoonbills are social birds, often found in groups, and their presence indicates healthy wetland ecosystems.

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A Rare Encounter: Eurasian Spoonbill Over Kampina

While exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I was fortunate to witness a Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) soaring overhead. This elegant wader, distinguished by its white plumage and unique spoon-shaped bill, is a rare sight in this area, as they typically inhabit the swampy regions deep within the reserve. Capturing this moment with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm telephoto lens, the sunlight illuminated its outstretched wings against the clear blue sky, highlighting the intricate feather patterns.

Eurasian Spoonbills are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, with the Dutch population primarily breeding on the Wadden Sea barrier islands. They prefer shallow wetlands with abundant aquatic life, feeding on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Their presence in inland areas like Kampina is less common, making this encounter particularly special.

Observing this majestic bird in flight underscores the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's wetlands and the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations.

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While exploring the tranquil waters of the Chaamse Bossen, I encountered a Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta), a turtle native to the southeastern United States. Likely a former pet released into the wild, this species has established populations in various parts of Europe, including the Netherlands.
Known for their adaptability, these turtles thrive in diverse habitats, from ponds to slow-moving rivers. However, their presence poses challenges to local ecosystems, as they compete with native species for resources and basking spots. Their diet is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small amphibians.

Capturing this moment with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100-400mm lens was both exciting and thought-provoking, highlighting the impact of human actions on wildlife distribution.

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While exploring the serene Chaamse Bossen in Noord-Brabant, I encountered the captivating Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata). This medium-sized dragonfly, recognizable by the distinctive dark spots on each wing, is a common sight near ponds and wetlands across Europe. Active from May to September, these agile fliers are often seen darting over water bodies, hunting for insects or defending their territories. Males are notably territorial, frequently returning to favored perches after swift patrols. Capturing this moment with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100-400mm lens was a delightful experience, showcasing the intricate beauty of these aerial acrobats.

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Roland Kraemer Fell in Love with the Ocean While Photographing Waves

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