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.

#CommonBuzzard #ButeoButeo #EuropeanStonechat #SaxicolaRubicola #EurasianSpoonbill #PlataleaLeucorodia #BirdPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #BirdWatching #RaptorPhotography #PasserineBirds #WadingBirds #AvianEncounters #WildlifePhotography #NatureLovers #BirdsOfEurope #FlightPhotography #BirdInFlight #BirdPerch #WetlandBirds #BirdsOfTheNetherlands #BirdingAdventures #Ornithology #BirdsOfPrey #Songbirds #Waterbirds #BirdConservation #FeatheredFriends #BirdsInNature #BirdsOfInstagram #BirdBrilliance #NaturePhotography #BirdsOfTheWorld #BirdLovers #BirdingDaily #BirdsOfKampina

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.

#EurasianSpoonbill #PlataleaLeucorodia #Lepelaar #BirdPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #BirdWatching #WetlandBirds #AvianBeauty #NatureLovers #WildlifePhotography

Purple sunbird - female. #birds #birdsofmastodon #wetlands #wetlandbirds #wetlandsconservation #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #nature

Male Red Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) #redwingedblackbird #birds #wetlandbirds

Northern Shoveler(female) - A winter migrant to India most likely from North Asia. This visitor mostly prefers wetlands and is commonly seen in pairs. #birds #birdsofmastodon #wildlife #wildlifephotography #nature #naturephotography #wetlandbirds #travel #wintermigrants

#Power2Peatlands carries on today. Many mentions of need for better #communication. Might help to connect with animal conservation eg #WetlandBirds ? they didn't get mentioned that often. #peat #conservation