First lapwing egg of 2026 discovered in Harlingen, marking start of bird protection season
Residents of Harlingen can now begin caring for lapwing eggs after the first one of 2026 was found near Pingjum. The finder received a reward and certificate, signaling the official start of bird protection efforts in Friesland.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Finder | Anne Wind from Pingjum |
| Location | Near Herbaijumerweg, Harlingen |
| Date Found | March 10, 2026, around 12:30 PM |
| Reward | €15.00 + certificate + bouquet of flowers |
| Awarding Authority | Mayor Ina Sjerps |
| Organizing Body | Bond Friese Vogelwachten (BFVW) |
| Age Rule for Finders | Under 12: no care pass required |
| Field Status | Closed for open field in Harlingen |
The Bond Friese Vogelwachten (BFVW) coordinates annual lapwing egg searches in Friesland to protect these birds during their breeding season. Local municipalities, like Harlingen, support these efforts by enforcing rules and recognizing finders to encourage community participation in wildlife conservation.
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First lapwing egg found in Harlingen municipality
On March 10, 2026, around 12:30 PM, the first lapwing egg of the Harlingen municipality was found. Anne Wind from Pingjum is the lucky finder of the municipality's first egg.
On Thursday, March 12, the lucky finder received a certificate, a bouquet of flowers, and a reward of €15.00 from Mayor Ina Sjerps. The first egg was found near the Herbaijumerweg. Every spring, enthusiastic field workers search for the first lapwing eggs in the Netherlands, Friesland, and the Frisian municipalities. In Friesland, this is done by the Bond Friese Vogelwachten (BFVW) and the more than 100 local Vogelwachten affiliated with it.
Rules regarding the first lapwing egg 2026
- The egg must be found at a location and time where this is permitted.
- The finder must possess a valid care pass unless he or she is 11 years old or younger.
- The holder of the pass must contact a representative of the BFVW immediately after finding the egg.
Open field closed
With this find, the open field in the Harlingen municipality is now closed. Throughout Friesland, the open field is now closed, and care can begin.