Last Sunday we made a fantastic tour through the Oostvaardersplassen, a nature reserve in the Netherlands which is managed by the State Forestry Service. Covering about 56 square kilometres (22 sq mi), it is noted as an example of rewilding. I have made posts about this area before
see here. These are Konik ponies.
This time we went with a guided tour in a little open bus, so you could have a good look at he animals as these Heck cattle.
At a certain moment the sun broke through the clouds which gave a beautiful sight at the landscape.
The tour was specially in the late afternoon to watch the red deers. This is the rutting season of the year and the males have to fertilize the females. The males make a special roaring sound, named belling.
Here you can see at the left a male with his big antler looking for a female.
The Heck cattle decided here to have a walk and blocked the road for our bus.
At a a certain moment they decided to run to the other side of the road in a long run together.
And stared at us strange people with their cameras.
In the end we had a beautiful sunset.
Have a look for more photos at the blog sccollections of hubby.
The Netherlands' truly "wild" side.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThat sunset is beautiful. In the UK we call the deer mating season the rutting season and you are advised not to get too close to the deer.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThanks for the word!
VerwijderenYou make such good use of your time by seeing so much of your country and then sharing it with us.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenVery, very beautiful sunset !
BeantwoordenVerwijderenTomás
What a glorious sunset! And an interesting place. I had not heard the term rewilding and I like it. Some areas where I live are doing something similar in trying to bring back the native prairie.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThe peculiar landscape. It is nice to look at, especially when there is approximately a lot of animals.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenLovely images.
I love the idea of a 'rewilding' nature reserve Marianne, we really all have to start pulling together to try and improve our planet.. Someone should let that male deer know that it's not a big antler that he needs :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenJullie hebben echt veel verschillende soorten dieren gezien! Mooie foto's!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a wonderful way to spend the day! I love seeing all the animals.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA beautiful area. I wonder what they think of all those strange people with the small objects pointing at them.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDearest Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a very special tour; one would think to be elsewhere, far away from the hectic traffic and life... Great photos and one wonders what those animals think?!
Hugs,
Mariette
An interesting landscape and animals.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenwat een mooi natuurgebied is dat. Groetjes Dietmut
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThose benches are cool.
BeantwoordenVerwijderen