“Winter guests are gathering” I overheard a child whisper. The Ouderkerkerplas Vogelkijkhut offers a prime viewing spot. It is nestled near the Ouderkerkerplas. This lake is southeast of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. It is southwest of Amsterdam Zuidoost. The Rijksweg A2 borders it to the east. The Rijksweg A9 borders it to the south.
The Ouderkerkerplas is a 75-hectare body of water. It is surrounded by a recreational and nature area. This area is about the same size. This unique spot is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. It offers a tranquil escape near bustling highways.
This lake began as a sand extraction site in the 1960s. It was part of the Holendrechter and Bullewijkerpolders. The sand was needed to construct the Rijksweg A9. Initially, over ten meters of peat and clay were removed. Sand was then extracted to a depth of 45 meters. The lake even served as a concrete waste dump for a time.
Plans to fill a large portion of the lake were fortunately abandoned. The municipality of Ouder-Amstel intervened. Today, the Ouderkerkerplas is part of Groengebied Amstelland. This is a joint project. It involves the Province of North Holland and several municipalities. These include Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Diemen, and Ouder-Amstel.
The Ouderkerkerplas is now used for swimming, surfing, and diving. The shore features footpaths, cycle paths, and a bridle path. There are also barbecue, picnic, and play areas. Annually, about 500,000 recreational visitors come here.
The Ouderkerkerplas is a habitat for many bird species. These include godwits and sand martins. You may also spot garganeys, wigeons, and grey herons. Spoonbills also frequent the area. They breed here or settle in for the winter. Saltwater flows into the relatively deep groundwater lake. It comes from the North Sea, about 30 km away. This makes the water brackish. Consequently, a solid ice cover rarely forms in winter.
Outside the reed zone, you can find plants like pitch carnations. Overlooked orchids and rattlepots also grow here.
Pumping stations maintain the lake’s water level. It is kept at four meters below Amsterdam Ordnance Datum. In case of flooding, the lake can be flooded. This is done via the Bullewijk River. Normally, this river drains the lake. The water level can rise by 60 cm to 3.40 meters below NAP. The lake’s additional capacity is about 0.5 million cubic meters of water. The adjacent polders can hold roughly the same amount.
Birdwatchers can observe smew here during winter. Other winter visitors include the goosander and the velvet scoter.
The Ouderkerkerplas and its Vogelkijkhut offer a chance to connect with nature. It’s a place where you can find tranquility. You can observe birds and appreciate the beauty of the Dutch landscape. Enjoy the Ouderkerkerplas Vogelkijkhut.