Spoonbill Path

The Spoonbill Path, or Lepelaarpad, is a walking route in the Lepelaarplassen, a nature reserve on the shore of the Markermeer close to Almere in the province of Flevoland. The reserve takes its name from the spoonbill, the white wading bird with a long, flat, spoon-shaped bill, which breeds here in a colony. The area is one of the most important wetlands in the Netherlands, and the path is a pleasant way to see it without disturbing the wildlife.

The Lepelaarplassen lie on land that was reclaimed from the sea in the twentieth century, but the area was left in a wet state and developed into a mosaic of ponds, reed beds, marshy grassland and willow woodland. Over the decades, birds colonised the reserve, and spoonbills began to nest in the shelter of the reeds and the bushes. Today it is a place of international importance for water birds, and the pools are home to ducks, geese, herons, grebes and many other species throughout the year.

Spoonbills are a highlight of a visit in spring and summer. They arrive from their winter quarters in West Africa in early spring and build their nests in groups, and during the breeding season it is possible to watch them feeding by sweeping their bills from side to side through shallow water. Their white plumage and the crest on the head of adults make them easy to recognise. The best time to see them is from March through to August, and a pair of binoculars is a great help.

The path is easy to walk and suitable for most visitors, with a relatively flat surface and viewpoints along the way. Other features in the area include the Markermeer dike route, a cycling and walking path along the lake, a couple of quirky bridges, known locally as the Kiss Bridge and the Pirate Island Bridge, and nesting sites of the white-tailed eagle, one of Europe's largest birds of prey, which returned to the Netherlands in recent years.

The reserve suits birdwatchers, photographers, families and walkers. Keep to the marked paths and stay quiet near the colony, as disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nests. Wear waterproof shoes, bring insect repellent in summer and check for any seasonal closures.