Yellow buoys with blue stickers and the text I rest! mark the bird rest areas during the winter period. New this year are information boards at the locations where water sports enthusiasts and recreationists enter the water or approach the area. These boards explain why rest is so important and how one can easily contribute to the protection of the birds.
Vulnerable birds need rest
In winter, thousands of vulnerable waterfowl settle in Fryslân, such as the Eurasian wigeon, the little grebe, and the teal. They use these months to gain strength and build up a layer of fat. When birds are disturbed, they become stressed, stop eating, or fly away. Each time they do this, they lose reserves that they desperately need to make their long migration to breeding areas in spring. With too much disturbance, birds eventually avoid an area altogether.
Where are the bird rest areas?
The bird rest areas are located along the shallow edges of the lakes in the Natura 2000 areas of Snitser Mar and surroundings, the Wite and Swarte Brekken, the Aldegeaster Brekken, the Fluezen, and the Alde Feanen. Busy navigation routes and channels remain accessible, ensuring a balance between recreation and nature.
Code of Honor and Collaboration
The bird rest areas are part of a joint approach by the province of Fryslân, water sports associations, nature organizations, and entrepreneurs. Together we ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the Frisian lakes while the birds get the rest they need.
More information and a map of the areas can be found at www.fryslan.frl/vogelrustgebied.
