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Description
The Spuikom is a brackish water body, originally build for flushing the Oostende harbor (but never used for it). Located close to the coast, it attracts a lot of coastal birds and often provides nice views of birds which are otherwise to be seen at a far distance at sea. From fall to spring the Spuikom can attract many species of waterbirds. Often Common Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Eurasian Coot are common. Over the last years it has also proven to be a good place for species such as Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew, Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Red Phalarope, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver. Checking the Oyster Breeder often yields Common Kingfisher and waders (Northern Lapwing, Ruddy Turnstone and others), and Common Tern during breeding season.
Viewing conditions can be challenging, especially when it is windy. Often the ducks are in the middle of the water body. The Spuikom is used for recreation (mainly sailing), which can disturb the birds. During winter recreation is not allowed in some zones, leaving always some quiet places for birds.
Details
Access
There are different parking opportunities nearby. Depending on wind, weather and where other people have found birds you can choose to park near the Vicognedijk, near the Oyster grower, or near the Polderstraat. Walking around the Spuikom takes ~4km and is a good option when it is not too cold.
Terrain and Habitat
LakeConditions
Flat , Wet , No shadow , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
It is worth checking Waarnemingen.be and eBird to check which species have been seen recently, as the birds present vary a lot. See the links below.
Links
- Recent bird sightings in the area on Waarnemingen.be
- Ebird list
- Website about the Spuikom
- Waarnemingen.be list