On beaches, salt marshes, and sandbanks, birds look for a safe place to breed and raise their young. It’s breeding season, which means: dogs on a leash, paying attention, and enjoying from a distance.

The role of Rijkswaterstaat

As coordinator Natura 2000 at Rijkswaterstaat, Mirjam Bakker focuses on the protection of breeding birds. ‘I deal with the implementation of nature measures, and ensure, among other things, the placement of nest protectors, closing off vulnerable areas, arranging supervision, and monitoring breeding results.’

‘Ultimately, my work revolves around achieving the goals set out in the Natura 2000 management plans,’ she explains. ‘For 13 breeding bird species in the Wadden Sea, such as the common tern, little tern, and Kentish plover, it has been determined how many breeding pairs we want to achieve. So far, this has only been successful for 4 species. There is still much work to be done to protect the vulnerable nature in the Wadden Sea. Together with all managers and partners, we are getting to work!’

We are taking the lead in the Wadden Sea and North Sea coastal zone Natura 2000 management plan, and also as landowner and manager. This is done in close cooperation with partners such as Bird Protection Netherlands.

A breeding season full of customization

The protection of breeding birds requires customization. At busy locations, such as the Green Beach of Ameland, communication is important. ‘We place signs, explain why a section of the beach is temporarily closed, and try to prevent disturbance as much as possible to give birds real peace and space,’ Mirjam explains.

In areas with a shortage of natural breeding places, we also take initiative. For example, a number of breeding pontoons have been placed, for instance in Wadden ports. Birds like the little tern make good use of these. This season, around 130 chicks have already been counted on the breeding pontoon the Sternstee in Lauwersoog!

Not everything is manageable

Yet nature cannot be forced. ‘We cannot control everything,’ Mirjam says soberly. ‘A northeast wind can blow nests away, a gull colony can destroy an entire breeding site. And then there’s the influence of human behavior, or factors beyond our borders, for example when birds winter in Africa. The Wadden Sea is just one link in the entire chain, but a very important one.’

Yet miracles also happen. For example, a colony of common terns moved this year from Texel to the Rottums after their nests were previously raided by gulls. ‘They have an incredible survival instinct. They reorganize themselves and find a place where they can breed. Then you see the resilience of nature.’

The magic of migratory birds

What makes the work special? ‘The birds themselves,’ Mirjam says beaming. ‘Migratory birds like the arctic tern fly from the South Pole to the Wadden Sea and back. Then I sit there with my binoculars, and think: you come from the other side of the world. That’s so impressive.’

In the coming years, we want to focus more on zoning and agreements that apply to the entire Wadden Sea. ‘We really need to prioritize and make clear choices: where are the most important feeding areas and breeding areas, and how do we ensure peace there? Cooperation with other parties is essential.’

What does she want to convey most? ‘Give the birds their place. The Wadden Sea is not a holiday destination for them, but a necessity. And every meter we can keep free makes the difference between disappearing and surviving.’

Help during the breeding season

Everyone can help provide birds with a safe breeding place. A few simple rules can make a big difference:

• Keep dogs on a leash in nature areas
• Stay on the paths
• Follow instructions on signs and fences
• Use binoculars to admire the breeding birds from a distance

Want to do more? Contact local organizations or visit the site of SOVON or Bird Protection .