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The Bentinckwellen is a little nature reserve along the IJssel River. It consists of reedbeds, meadows and pools dotted with waterlilies. The trees in the area are mainly willows, some of them are very old. During the month of September autumn is getting more and more a grip on this nature reserve: The light becomes softer and more yellowish, weatherconditions are often characterised by dampy mornings. This gives the area a mystical look. For photography this all is very exciting and full of possibillities. While summer is usually quite dull, as far as landscapephotography is concerned, autumn is much more promising.
This area is important for various birdspecies: Goose rest here in winter by the hundreds, as well as Common snipes and Jack snipes. Whole year round it is good for raptors like Goshawk and Buzzard, regulary Hobby in summer. Wetlandbirds, like all sorts of duckspecies, are present, also herons. In winter often one or more Bitterns are trying to catch some fish in the pools. It is a very important breeding area for Kingfishers, Bluethroats, Reed Buntings,Black Terns,Rails, sometimes Corncrake, to name a few. Last but not least this is also a sleeping area for many Cormorants.  one of the pools in late summer. autumn is coming...(another wetlandarea between the villages of Zalk and De Zande)One of the keybirdspecies around Zalk, the village where I live, is of course the Little Owl. In September the young owls, born last Spring are bound to leave the area of there parents. On calm evenings you can here the shrieking sound of these owls, sometimes in the middle of the village.  Little Owl in its nesting tree.Every year from mid September to mid October the rut of the Red Deer is going on in the forests of the Veluwe. The National Park "Hoge Veluwe" gives excellent photo-opportunities to picture these animals. You're not alone of course, often hundreds of photographers are lined up. But it is always a surprise what is going to happen and if light is co-operating.  a stag in beautiful light. In the back 2 females. a small herd of female Red Deer and young ones in last eveninglight. |