The nature reserves Hedelse Bovenwaard and Empelse Waard are separated by the Maas, but for birds it is one area. The landscape is pretty similar with flowery meadows and young riparian forests, so the same bird species show up here.
Common songbirds like Goldfinch, Stonechat, White Wagtail, Robin and Common Whitethroat call these reserves home.
Also present are opportunistic feeders like Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Wood Pigeon.
More special are the Sand Martins that nest in the free eroding clay banks of the Oude Schans.
Birds of prey like Common Kestrel, Marsh Harrier and the imposing Common Buzzard also make a presence here and occasionally a Stork shows up to feed on Common Vole and Eartheworms.
I use a Canon SX70 HS camera to shoot the birds. This camera may not always produce super-sharp images, but its extreme focal length of 1365 mm and low weight allows you to get close to the animals while keeping your distance.
