Steltlopers Zwin

What you'll find here

The Zwin, on the Belgian-Dutch border near Knokke-Heist, is one of the few genuine tidal areas left along the Belgian coast. Mudflats, salt marshes, shallow channels. At high tide the water rises and the birds are pushed together onto narrow strips of dry land. That's the moment. Waders such as dunlin, bar-tailed godwit and avocet stand close together, sometimes just a few metres from the bank. For wildlife photography, that's gold.

When to go

Spring and autumn are by far the best periods. In April and May large numbers of waders move northward, and from July to October they head back towards Africa. During migration the variety is greatest and the density highest. Early in the morning the light is softest and the sun is low, giving warm side light on the birds. On overcast days you have fewer harsh shadows and can work through the whole morning.

High tide is the key word. Check a tide table for Zeebrugge or the Zwin itself before you go. An hour either side of high tide is generally the most productive. By then the birds have no room left on the mudflats and move to the edges, close to where you are.

Compositions and kit

A long telephoto is not a luxury here but a necessity. From 400mm you start to work well, and a 500mm or 600mm gives you more room to manoeuvre. Shooting from a low position, lying down or crouching, makes the difference between a bird against the sky and a bird in its environment. Pay attention to the background: water with some texture works better than a flat, empty sky. In soft morning light you get beautiful reflections in the shallow channels.

Group behaviour produces strong images. Birds taking off together, or a tight flock of bar-tailed godwits bunching up at high tide, those are moments worth waiting for.

Practical

Zwin Natuur Park has a visitor centre on Canadastraat in Knokke-Heist. There is paid parking at the park. Outside the park, along the Zwindijk and the border, you can walk and photograph freely. Keep to the paths and do not enter the salt marshes, as this disturbs the birds and damages the area. Access to the park itself requires an entrance ticket.

Sources and further reading

• Zwin Natuur Park (officiële site)
• Natuur en Bos – Zwin (Agentschap)
• Getijden Zeebrugge – Vlaamse Hydrografie