Sunday, May 9 a day trip to the Provence of Zeeland country. Getting up early at 4.30 and still not fully recovered from yesterday, the Top Holland day. At five o’clock I stood by Thijs and soon we were on the A50 towards Eindhoven. We would meet at an Esso pump to meet Alwin just past Breda. From here we drove further with one car. The ride went through Antwerp to Zeeuws Flanders where we would start in the Polder Sophia.
After some doubt, I still decided to join the Top of Holland birding day. The day took place on May 8 and lasted from midnight to 19:00. The aim is to score as many species as possible and there are prizes for the discovery of the best species. For the best specie you will receive a Leica Ultravid 10x42 binoculars, so not bad. Species count only in the provinces of Drenthe, Groningen and Friesland.
For Wednesday, May 5 was a trip Lauwersmeer on the program. May is always a good month for this area. Before we would drive to the north, we tried to score a Stone Curlew which was discovered yesterday near Gennep. Alwin had to drive south first. For me this is almost a home game. Early in the morning around 6.15 am I was in the area waiting for Alwin. Nightingales, Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats and many other birds entertained me with their vocals so the waiting was not a punishment.
The whole week a Surf Scoter was reported at Texel but I had to work. My buddies had already brought a visit to Texel. The bird just had to stay there. Friday was the first opportunity for me to go.
All week the weather is monitored and it looks good. There is an easterly wind predicted on Saturday and Sunday until noon. On Friday the forecast was still good. Teun has also seen this and he decides not to go out this weekend but will join me to the Kamperhoek.
March 27 we were after a mornings counting migrating birds exploring the Oostvaarders lakes. We were called by one of the buddies of Thijs stating that there was present a Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) at the Beuven in the Strabrechtse Heide.
Early in the morning at 5.30 am I get up and as soon as possible in the car. The distance is about 140 km on the road and stop for a cup of coffee is part of the standard routine.