Eendenkooi Stokman

Hidden amidst the modern landscape of Vijfhuizen, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stelling van Amsterdam, lies Eendenkooi Stokman. This tranquil nature reserve holds a secret, a hidden world of ducks and a history spanning centuries. Eendenkooi Stokman was established in 1701 on a spit of land between the Spieringmeer and Haarlemmermeer. Originally part of the hunting grounds of the Count of Schalckwijk, the duck decoy was sold to miller Gerrit Stokman in 1757. His family has been its caretaker ever since. The land itself now belongs to Landschap Noord-Holland. Yet, Stokman descendants continue to work here, preserving the family legacy. The decoy consists of a pond surrounded by dense woods. Four ‘pipes’, or catching arms, extend outwards, one for each wind direction. These pipes are partially covered with nets and reed mats, narrowing towards the end where a small cage with a trapdoor awaits. The tradition of luring ducks into these pipes involves tame ‘stale’ ducks. They live in the decoy and recognize the ‘kooiker’ and their dog. Every morning, the kooiker feeds the stale ducks at the end of a chosen pipe. In the evenings, these tame ducks venture into the surrounding meadows where they meet wild ducks. The next morning, they return for feeding, bringing their wild companions along. Lured by the promise of food and the apparent safety of the stale ducks, the wild ducks enter the pipe. The kooiker’s dog then runs along the reed screens, further enticing the curious wild ducks. Unafraid of the familiar dog, the stale ducks swim towards the food, while the wild ducks, intrigued, follow. The kooiker then appears, startling the ducks and driving them further into the pipe. Panicked, the wild ducks fly towards the light at the pipe’s end and into the waiting trap. Although Eendenkooi Stokman still operates, the purpose has shifted. The main focus is now on ringing ducks for scientific research. However, the Stokman family, eager to uphold their centuries-old tradition, continues to catch some ducks for consumption. Simone Stokman, the current kooiker, also envisions developing a ringing station for research, demonstrating the decoy’s scientific value, especially during outbreaks like bird flu. Eendenkooi Stokman is more than a duck decoy. It’s a vibrant ecosystem, home to 4 species of bats and around 400 species of songbirds. It’s also a testament to a unique Dutch invention and the dedication of a family who has kept its history alive for over three centuries.