Blokkersdijk

Since 1999 Blokkersdijk is protected as a nature reserve and also part of the natura 2000 network. Blokkersdijk consists of a large lake and in spring the reedbeds come alive with the chattering songs of warblers like Bluethroat , Sedge Warbler , Reed Warblerand Reed Bunting. A rich diversity of different water and wetland species can be observed from the hide like Marsh Harrier , Black-necked Grebe , Spoonbill , Great Egret , Common Kingfisher , Spotted Crake.  It's one of the best places in Belgium to encouter Red-crested Pochard. Many northern overwintering birds can be seen on the lake during the winter months like Great Bittern , Common Goldeneye , Smew , Water Pipit, Whooper Swan and Goosander. But also during migration periodes this is a true birding hotspot as the mud flats and its proximity with the Scheldt river attract a lot of migratory terns (Black Tern , White-winged Tern and Whiskered Tern) and waders (Wood Sandpiper , Common Greenshank , Spotted Redshank). During these times you can spot in the grasslands around the lake Whinchat , Northern Wheatear and European Stonechat. In the more thorny bushes and shrubs you can hear the marvelous song of the Common Nightingale.

In the last 20 years over 220 native bird species are observed here, and around 160 to 170 are seen annually.