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Callemoeie

Flanders  >  Belgium

An artificial lake with a beach. Often a good site for wintering and migrating birds, but getting a good view is challenging.

Added* by Bastiaan
Most recent update 18 January 2021

Description

The Callemoeie is a decommisioned sand extraction pit that features (deep) open water, a beach, some willow bushes and reedbeds. It attracts large number of birds, all year round, but viewing conditions are often terrible as the site is fenced. Depending on reed and willow size, you can only see half of the beach, and also a large part of the open water is not easily viewable. Nevertheless this site is one of the top sites in the region and often provides some surprises. The sandy beach is unique in the region (where mudflads are more common) and is an excellent place for waders (Northern Lapwing, Dunlin, Common Ringed Plover , Eurasian Oystercatcher) and many more) during migration (spring and fall). Also large groups of geese (Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Greylag Goose) rest on the beach, in winter and spring together with ducks (Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler. The deep lake attrackts ducks (Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, sometimes Greater Scaup) and grebes (Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe). The lake is also a sleeping area for gulls during winter (all regional species, but also Caspian Gull in winter). During migration terns (Common Tern, Black Tern) visit the lake, and it is one of the better places to find Little Gull in Flanders.

It is difficult to see birds in the reedbeds and willow bushes, but you can often hear Cetti's Warbler, Reed Bunting or Common Nightingale.

Details

Access

*update 2021*

Update: The road south of the lake features best views. This road is no longer accessible by car. best parking is indicated on the map.

There is a large fence around the site and you have to watch birds from this public road through the fence. About half of the beach has good visibility, and also a large part of the open water. Do not try to climb over the fence.

Terrain and Habitat

Lake , Beach , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration , Winter

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Car , Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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