Wildlife Photography in the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is one of the most rewarding places for wildlife photography in the Netherlands. Located between Zandvoort and Noordwijk, this expansive dune landscape offers a unique mix of forest, open sand valleys, and wetlands. As a nature photographer, I keep returning to this area—not just for the biodiversity, but for the quiet, immersive atmosphere it provides. Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen wildlife photography is as much about waiting and watching as it is about light and timing.
Birds in Motion: Raptorial Beauty
One of the highlights of photographing in this area is encountering birds of prey. Common buzzards (Buteo buteo) circle overhead, while kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) hover motionlessly in the sky before diving for prey. These moments are fleeting but unforgettable. Capturing birds in flight here feels effortless when the landscape and weather align.
Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) also make striking subjects, especially during mating season. Their acrobatic flight and metallic green wing flash stand out against the subtle dune colors.
On the Ground and Near the Water
In the lower wetland zones, I often spot little ringed plovers (Charadrius dubius) darting around shallow pools. Ducks and waterfowl, like the striking male goosander (Mergus merganser), glide through golden reflections in the early morning light.
This variety is what makes wildlife photography in the Waterleidingduinen so rewarding. With a long lens and patience, you can capture intimate scenes without disturbing the animals.
Hidden Treasures in the Trees
Not all subjects are in the open. The AWD’s wooded sections host a wealth of smaller birds. Goldcrests (Regulus regulus)—Europe’s tiniest bird—flit nervously through conifers, and crested tits (Lophophanes cristatus) peer curiously from bare branches. One particular encounter with a European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), singing its melodic trill from a lichen-covered branch, reminded me how much color and charm these small birds bring to the forest’s quiet corners.
Beyond Birds: Fallow Deer and Serene Encounters
The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is also known for its fallow deer (Dama dama). These elegant animals roam freely, often grazing in open fields or lying in shaded groves. They’re surprisingly approachable, but I prefer to keep a respectful distance, allowing them to remain undisturbed.
Their presence adds a sense of calm to the reserve. It’s not just a location for action shots, but also one for quiet observation.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Waterleidingduinen
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, here are a few tips for a better Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen wildlife photography experience:
- Best time to visit: Early mornings offer the best light and most wildlife activity.
- Bring a telephoto lens: 300mm or longer helps capture birds and deer from a respectful distance.
- Use the De Zilk or Panneland entrances: These quieter access points give you a head start away from crowds.
- Stay off the paths (if you want to): Unique in the Netherlands, AWD allows visitors to walk off-trail—ideal for finding your own vantage points.
- Check the season: Deer rutting in autumn, nesting birds in spring, young foxes in summer—every visit offers something new.
More information about entrances and fees is available on awd.waternet.nl.
Final Thoughts
Each trip to the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen feels like stepping into a living, breathing world of nature. It’s not a place for checklist shooting, but for slowing down and observing. If you’re a wildlife photographer looking for a diverse and peaceful setting near the Dutch coast, this reserve will keep drawing you back—season after season.
