While I visited several birding sites around the Netherlands in the course of my Bachelor studies, I didn’t go birding often around the city where I live, Maastricht. It makes sense because the area is less interesting for birding, but I also don’t know some of the opportunities for a while, or there are always a lot of other things going on.
This winter, I returned to Maastricht to work at the university as a tutor. On the bird recording site Waarneming, I have seen a Great Northern Diver (Common Loon) was found in a lake just south of the city. I wanted to look at the site because the bird was going to be a lifer, but work always got in the way. I was afraid that the diver was completely gone but when I finally found some time two weeks later, it was still reported the day before.
I reached the north shore of the lake but scanning with a scope remained fruitless. After continuing to circle the southern edge, I finally chose the Great Northern Diver after a long search. After checking, I realized it was 800 meters away in cloudy weather, probably one of the more challenging birds I have found so far (although of course it would have been more impressive if the bird had been found on its own). I don’t even have a good view, although after a long period of observation I’ve got all the features of the ID, and I enjoy watching its different hunting behavior compared to many. Great Cormorant.
I was very excited about this lifer as I was hoping to see this species in the autumn during my stay in Heligoland. However, I continued to check the waterbirds at closer range, realizing that getting a close-up view also had its advantages. A surprising find that made this visit even more worthwhile was a Greater Scaupwhich I have only seen once before in the UK.
The girl is a little shy, but I am happy to compare it with many Tufted Ducks which is also around. In addition, with other typical species around Eurasian Coot, Common Merganser, Mallardand Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe. A Water Railway is hidden, calling from the reeds. The terrestrial species did not show themselves in the mist, but a group of Eurasian Siskins provided a good distraction.
Despite the horribly dark, steamy weather, this short excursion was very worthwhile – and I realized I should have been out birding more often over the last three years. Something special can always appear!
