Last weekend we visited a small lake between the Hague and Leiden, called Starrevaart. The area is set aside for birds and is a popular spot for both migratory and resident waterfowl and waders.
The Province Zuid-Holland maintains the area, which is 30 hectares water and 30 hectares reeds. The water has a maximum depth of 2 meters.
There is a path around the water, which was quite muddy when we were there on Saturday.
On the walking path
Along the path there are some signs which give details on some of the birds you can find there. This one gives information on the marsh harrier, bruine kiekendief in Dutch.
There is a bird hide on the east side of the water.
View over the water from the hide
We watched the activity on the water for about 30 minutes. Here are some of the birds we saw.
(Eurasian) Wigeon [Smient] Mareca penelope
Great Crested Grebe [Fuut] Podiceps cristatus
Tufted Duck [Kuifeend] Athya fuligula
To the northeast of the water there is an outlook tower.
