Subject: [Tweeters] Any ideas birding at or around Schiphol Airport?
Date: Jul 5 13:18:06 2009
From: Martin Muller - martinmuller at msn.com


Ed,

The Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Woods) are nearby the airport.
It was created (the whole area is a polder, reclaimed land) in the 1950s (similar to USA WPA projects), and has developed nicely over the years. As a youth I used to bicycle through there early mornings all the time (I grew up ten minutes away). I wasn't much of a birder back then, but remember the woodpeckers drumming on hollow light poles, sounding like machine gun fire. Since I've left Great Crested Grebes and cormorants have returned to the city. Early morning you'll see people fishing (along the Bosbaan, see below), with herons in attendance, waiting for the 'spoils.' Among other things.

Getting there from the airport is easy enough logistically, except your time limit may make it a bit challenging.
Here is a link to the public transportation (openbaar vervoer) route map.

http://www.gvb.nl/reizigers/plattegronden/Pages/lijnennetkaart.aspx<http://www.gvb.nl/reizigers/plattegronden/Pages/lijnennetkaart.aspx>

Move the box and click to zoom in. Zoom in on Schiphol airport in the lower left section. Find the black-and-white train line and follow it (scroll) up and right. Find station Amstelveenseweg. This is where you get off. Take any of the several busses there that head south along the Amstelveenseweg. Ask the driver to warn you when you get to the Bosbaan, just a few stops. This rowing course runs through part of the Amsterdamse Bos. Best to walk along the right-hand side (away from car traffic; see the same map).

To take the train from the airport, walk from arrival hall to train station immediately out front (underground connection I believe); buy a ticket as you get to the station. get one of their tickets that is also good for busses).

Let me know if this is not clear. But again, 2-3 hours is pushing it.

Martin Muller, Seattle
martinmuller at msn.com<mailto:martinmuller at msn.com>


----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Swan<mailto:edswan at centurytel.net>
To: tweeters<mailto:tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Saturday, July 04, 2009 6:47 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Any ideas birding at or around Schiphol Airport?



I have a couple of 2-3 hour layovers coming at Schiphol Airport and wondered if anyone had any experience birding around the airport itself or close by. I once saw something on the web about a park right by the airport but on another time through couldn't find it and now can't find the mention again on the web.

Ed Swan
Vashon Island
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