21/02/2014 Amsterdam White Storks

Friday 21st February 2014
Amsterdam, Vondelpark

We wanted to go to the nature reserve at Oostvaarderplassen just outside of Amsterdam but it was not easy to get to using public transport so we compromised and visited Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest city park.  The weather conditions were not good with light drizzle at times with some settled, overcast periods.

Although there were not many birds to be seen there were a number of highlights.

Top of the bill was the pair of White Storks seen close to their nesting area at the far end of the park.  Unfortunately one of them was limping and looked in some discomfort; no doubt, in such a central position it's condition would have been monitored continually by local wardens.  The views were excellent with the storks being less than 20m away. 
  

White Storks
Library picture

The most common species on view was the Ring-necked Parakeet; there must have been over 50 of them around adding colour and a lot of noise to the scene.


There were also good numbers of Egyptian Geese to be seen, scattered evenly around the park.

Apart from a Great-spotted Woodpecker the remaining birds were made up of the usual suspects - Starlings, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Robin, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Mallard and Magpie. 

Under the circumstances we were pleased with the outcome.  The park was very busy with joggers, dog walkers, families and, of course, the numerous cyclists.  

This was to be our only birdwatching event - a pleasant and rewarding experience.