Three bird watchers were sitting next to each other, breathless, when two red deer suddenly appeared from the bushes. A special moment, although the animals are not unknown in Drenthe. The large ungulate moved this way from the Veluwe under its own power. The first traces of their arrival were already found in 2018.
The antlers show that they are the same two males. “One of the two has damage on the left side,” says ecologist Peter Venema, who has been following the animals for years. “They have been seen before near Dwingeloo and Midden-Drenthe. That is not surprising: red deer can travel hundreds of kilometers and are excellent swimmers.”
In addition, it is currently the rutting season, the period in which males look for females and go for a walk. “I was hoping to hear them bellowing for a while,” says Bert Bijmholt, one of the bird watchers who first saw the duo. “But that didn’t happen. I was able to take beautiful photos and videos. An experience I will never forget.”
The fact that the deer found their way to Diependal also surprises Hendrik Timmer of Het Drentse Landschap. “They are impressive animals,” he says. “They grow to about 2.60 meters long, one and a half meters high and weigh up to 300 kilos. Really impressive to see.”
It is uncertain whether they will show themselves again at the viewing hut. The animals have not been sighted since Sunday. “The Hijkerveld, which borders Diependal, is a suitable habitat,” says Venema. “Red deer like open, wet areas with some swampy areas.”
Nature lovers will soon be able to enjoy the area even better. A second viewing hut will be built in Diependal. A sand martin wall has already been placed at the site of the old viewing wall and the foundation for the new hut is ready. It is expected to open in mid-2026.