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Bulb birds live in the Bulb Region
Can an area with intensive flower bulb cultivation also be a good living environment for birds? In the South Holland Bulb Region it appears that it is.
In recent years, the populations of various species such as the partridge, skylark and yellow wagtail have remained very constant, according to counts by the Agrarische Natuur- en Landschapsvereniging Geestgrond. According to Paul Venderbosch, board member and advisor at the association, the open character of the region is particularly attractive for 'bulb birds'.
skylark
"Do you hear that gibberish? That's the skylark. It goes on like this all day long. Most bulb farmers recognize that sound by now; it really belongs to this region." With Venderbosch we look out over a small polder area outside Hillegom. The area is open; flower bulb cultivation clearly has the upper hand here. Some ditches (partly mowed, partly not mowed) can be seen between the fields and forest edges close off the whole nicely. "This landscape is perfect for many farmland birds."
"The crops are low, but still high enough. This makes birds feel safe to breed between the beds. From planting until early spring there is a straw cover, so that there is still some food to get." Partridge, an icon species for the province of South Holland, in particular, has been doing well in recent years. This also applies to the aforementioned skylark, yellow wagtail, lapwing, oystercatcher and redshank.
Venderbosch has noticed that in recent years farmers have paid more attention to the habitat of birds. "We also notice that farmers are quite willing to make small adjustments in favor of these birds, especially if you involve them personally." What also helps, according to him, is the fact that it is an Agricultural Nature and Landscape Association. "About 20 of the 100 members are bulb farmers themselves, so we know reasonably well what is feasible and what is not feasible."
Little paradises
During the tour through the area, Venderbosch regularly points out hedges and hedges that provide good shelter for birds and also harbor many insects. According to him, the somewhat rougher verges and banks are also 'little paradises' for a large number of bird species.
He himself would like to see the banks, field edges and roadsides mowed as late as possible, so that flowers, herbs and insects can develop optimally. Although he knows that growers prefer to mow on time to prevent weeds on the plots. "Yes, on these points nature development and business interests sometimes get in each other's way," he admits.
"Fortunately, there are enough parts where we get along well. We have to exploit those parts." As an illustration, he drives into an access road of a company and points out a few cluttered corners with fagots, green waste and herbs. "So they should mainly remain in place and not all be cleaned up."
