Rest for tens of thousands of wintering birds in the Biesbosch. That is the purpose of an appeal to water sports enthusiasts to avoid the sheltered areas for birds in the Biesbosch until March 1. “During the winter, the Biesbosch is of great importance to waterfowl populations from all over Western Europe,” explains forester Blom. “Here they find open running water, food and the necessary rest.” But then they should not be disturbed.
In the Biesbosch, Staatsbosbeheer has introduced the so-called winter rest scheme. “Large numbers of water birds come specifically to the Biesbosch from late summer to spend the winter here,” says the forester. “From November, we will see more and more species from the far north being added. These species have been coming to the Biesbosch for generations and are very sensitive to disturbances.”
“Next year we will indicate those places with, for example, buoys.”
In addition to the well-known parts of the Biesbosch that are always closed, five so-called shelters have also been designated to guarantee the peace and quiet for the winter guests. These are parts of wide through waterways, such as the Zuidergat van de Visschen, Kooigat and the Gat van den Kleinen Hil.
“We do not close off those stretches of water,” emphasizes Blom. “But we ask people on the water to stay away from large groups of water birds. A map shows where those sheltered areas are. Next year we will also mark those places with buoys, for example.”
“The sheltered spots only cover 1% of the surface water,” says the forester. “In those places, the birds wait in the lee of the Biesbosch until winter is over and spring begins. The large open areas of water are less likely to freeze over, are rich in nutrients and the waterfowl stay in areas that are relatively sheltered from wind and weather.”
“Then they can’t rest, eat, and get exhausted.”
The overwintering guests, including tens of thousands of geese, herons, birds of prey, gulls and ducks, remain in the Biesbosch all winter, but are also hypersensitive to disturbance. Species such as the nun, tufted duck and goldeneye fly up at a distance of many hundreds of meters when approaching a boat.”
“If a few boats per hour pass and through groups of waterfowl, the birds are only flying. Then they cannot rest, eat, and become exhausted and the Biesbosch does not offer the necessary safe resting place that these birds need .”
It is therefore important for water sports enthusiasts to keep a good distance. In order not to disturb the winter rest.
