Imagine a flat landscape on a grey morning. As a matter of fact, so grey that the sky seamlessly blends into the road tarmac. It is on such a morning that I decided to go out to spot some polder birds.

Winter birding has the distinct advantage of starting late. Sunrise at 8:45 and the Rotterdam metro allows bicycles after 9:00. No need to get up early, nice. I took the metro to the Rodenrijs stop. From here I cycled through Polder Schieveen, which is the last remnant of polder landscape within the Rotterdam city limits. There is also a footpath through the fields so you can choose to hike (4 to 5 km). Bring proper boots as the meadows are soggy. The area is closed for the breeding season from 1 March till 1 July. The surrounding dike is accessible in that period but it will be a longer walk. The area is easily accessible by metro, not only from Rotterdam but from Den Haag (The Hague) too. There’s a pancake restaurant next to the metro station and Belevenisboerderij Schieveen offers a shop and small restaurant at roughly the halfway point. It is a good day out for the family if you are willing to compromise on hardcore birding. But who am I kidding?

I ticked off a solid 34 species. Huge numbers of Eurasion Wigeon, Greylag Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese, and I thought I saw a Lesser White-fronted Goose too. However, it was too far away to be certain. They can show up so be vigilant. A pair of Common Buzzards were eyeing the Eurasian Coots. In summer, the latter are as anti-social as a Montana Republican, but in winter they congregate in vast numbers and feast on the protein-rich grass. To the delight of the buzzards and the occasional birder.

Big Year Rotterdam, 104 species, 96 to go.