This week, the northern Netherlands is the international epicentre of migratory bird ecology. Led by Birdeyes – Centre for Global Ecological Change in Leeuwarden – hundreds of scientists, conservationists, and policymakers are gathering for two major conferences in Haren and Lauwersoog.

Birdeyes as a unifying force

Birdeyes acts as both organiser and connector for two internationally renowned events: the 11th international spoonbill meeting (22–25 September, Lauwersoog) and the 50th International Wader Study Group Annual Conference (26–29 September, Haren/Groningen). Together, the events welcome over 300 participants from more than 40 countries, spanning six continents.

Spoonbills as inspiring messengers

Spoonbills vividly demonstrate how closely Europe and Africa are linked. Thanks to colour rings and transmitters, we know, for example, that “our” spoonbills overwinter in Mauritania. To exchange knowledge about populations, migration behaviour, and breeding success, around fifty spoonbill researchers, conservationists, and representatives from visitor centres are gathering this week at the WEC in Lauwersoog. Together, they represent 15 countries along the migratory routes from western and central Europe to west and north Africa.

The second day of the event is dedicated to nature education: the spoonbill as an ambassador for world heritage. The rich programme also takes participants to key areas in the eastern Wadden Sea region, such as Lauwersmeer and Schiermonnikoog. A special moment: on Thursday 25 September at 16:30, a new migratory bird signpost will be unveiled at the Staatsbosbeheer visitor centre Lauwersnest. The idea comes from Edorta Unamuno from the Basque Country and symbolises the global interconnectedness of bird areas — from the Wadden Sea to Banc d’Arguin national park in Mauritania.

50 years of Wader research celebrated in Haren

Immediately following the spoonbill conference, the Biotoop in Haren will host the annual meeting of the International Wader Study Group (IWSG). There, 250 scientists and nature managers from 40 countries — from Australia to South America — will gather. The programme includes lectures and excursions to birding hotspots in the province of Groningen. Numerous workshops will provide both inspiration and practical tools, such as the use of drones in field research. The 50th edition of this conference is expected to break attendance records — a fitting tribute to the importance of the delta as a stopover for millions of migratory birds.

Key hub

That both conferences are taking place in the same week in the northern Netherlands is no coincidence. It highlights the region’s strategic and symbolic role within global migration routes — and the growing position of Birdeyes as a key hub in the international network of migratory bird ecology.

Photo: Jan van de Kam