First lapwing egg of 2026 signals start of spring in Hof van Twente
Spring has officially arrived in Hof van Twente as Jan West spots the first lapwing egg of the year. This annual tradition highlights local efforts to protect meadow birds, a vital part of the region’s natural heritage.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Finder | Jan West |
| Location | Markvelde, Hof van Twente |
| Date | March 12, 2026 |
| Previous Finds | 2013, 2014, 2016, 2025 |
| Organization | Weidevogels Hof van Twente foundation |
| Protected Species | Lapwing, black-tailed godwit, curlew, redshank, black-necked grebe |
| Deputy Mayor Visit | Miriam Doeschot |
The municipality of Hof van Twente supports local conservation efforts through partnerships with volunteer organizations like Weidevogels Hof van Twente. These groups play a crucial role in protecting meadow birds, which are an important part of the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
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Jan West finds first lapwing egg in Hof van Twente
Jan West found the first lapwing egg of this year in Hof van Twente on Thursday, March 12. He discovered the egg in the hamlet of Markvelde. The first lapwing egg has long been considered a sign that spring is on its way!
Experienced finder of the first egg
Jan West has often found the first lapwing egg in our municipality. This has happened in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2025 as well.
Commitment to meadow birds in Hof van Twente
Jan West is a board member of the Weidevogels Hof van Twente foundation. Together with many volunteers, he protects the nests of meadow birds. In doing so, they help bird species such as the lapwing, black-tailed godwit, curlew, redshank, and black-necked grebe.
Deputy mayor congratulates the finder
Deputy mayor Miriam Doeschot visited Jan on Thursday afternoon. She congratulated him on the discovery and examined the lapwing egg. The find shows that spring is beginning again in Hof van Twente.
A tradition with a long history
Around the "first lapwing egg," there is an old tradition in the Netherlands. In the past, people saw the first egg as the starting point of spring. Today, it mainly symbolizes the start of the meadow bird season. Volunteers then pay extra attention to the nests to ensure they remain protected.
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