Spoonbills nest at De Zegge nature reserve for first time

Spoonbills have nested at De Zegge nature reserve in Geel for the first time in the site’s history.

This is very special occurrence and worthy of celebration, as the Eurasion spoonbill (Platalea leucorodiararely) is a rare breeding bird in Belgium and certainly doesn’t nest this far inland in Belgium.

In recent years, staff at De Zegge have spotted a pair of spoonbills several times, but never thought that the pair would become permanent residents. However, additional management work was recently executed to create more of the open water that spoonbills like. Now, a drone flying overhead has spotted a nest with two young spoonbill chicks – as well a third, as yet unhatched egg.

The spoonbill is a large, white bird that is easy to recognize by its spoon-shaped bill, drooping crest and black legs. It finds its food by foraging while walking through shallow water, spooning up insects and small fish with its beak sideways.

The Belgian population of the Eurasian Spoonbill stands at around 80 pairs. Colonies are spread over 7 to 8 locations, mainly around the coast and the low lands bordering the River Schelde near Antwerp. Almost half of the spoonbills nesting in Belgium are based at Verrebroek.

In 2022, a study started, aimed at tracking migrating spoonbills from Verrebroek using GPS transmitters. Five juveniles were tagged. All five juveniles survived their first winter, with one wintering in the Netherlands, three in Atlantic France, and one in southern Spain. Researchers plan to deploy additional transmitters to further expand the study.

Meanwhile, back at De Zegge, it is hoped that the spoonbills will become regular fixtures and that the chicks will grow up and nest there. This is another outstanding “first”, following the white-tailed eagle that nested in Belgium for the first time earlier in the year.

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.