whispers of the inland-dunes heath birds insects wind Loonse en Drunense Duinen Netherlands127 pm 251009_0047

Windy autumn day in park ‘Loonse en Drunense Duinen’ in the Netherlands.
You wouldn't expect them anymore in October, but thanks to the pleasantly warm autumn weather, there are still plenty of insects here. It may not seem like there's much to see, but this sandy plain and the surrounding pine trees are teeming with wildlife. We're in the Loonse and Drunense Dunes, the largest inland sand drift area in Western Europe.

About the picture This is the spot where I recorded my audio. The landscape features a mix of sandy terrain and dry grass, typical of a dune or heathland environment. Sparse vegetation and scattered pine trees give the area a rugged, natural feel. In the distance, a dense forest rises, creating a striking contrast with the open plain. The sky is partly cloudy, casting soft light over the scene. It's a peaceful, undisturbed setting—perfect for capturing the subtle sounds of nature.

Birds detected by Merlin Bird ID app (ver. 3.7.1 (220 – 2024)
#0:03 #0:27 #0:46 #0:49 #0:55 Common Chaffinch
#0:12 #0:40 #0:46 Great Tit
#0:09 #0:24 Short-toed treecreeper
#0:13 Eurasian Blue Tit
#0:15 Carrion Crow

About the history of the Loonse and Drunense Dunes
The Loonse en Drunense Duinen in the Netherlands have a remarkable history shaped by wind, sand, and human activity. Around 10,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, cold polar winds blew vast amounts of sand into the region of Brabant, forming thick layers across the landscape.

Over time, ancient forests grew over the sandy plains. But from the 14th century onward, people began cutting down trees for firewood and agriculture. As the forests disappeared, the sand was no longer held in place and began to drift freely. This led to large areas of shifting sand—what was once seen as an environmental crisis is now a rare and protected landscape.

One of the most striking features of this area is that many trees are only partially visible. Due to centuries of sand movement, the lower parts of the trees—including their trunks and roots—have been completely buried. Only the tops of the trees remain above the surface, like green islands rising from a sea of sand. These trees have adapted to survive in this unusual environment, and their hidden forms tell a silent story of resilience.

In later centuries, efforts were made to stabilize the dunes by replanting trees and managing grazing. Today, the area is protected by Natuurmonumenten and is part of the Van Gogh National Park. It’s a designated Natura 2000 site and is often called the “Brabant Sahara” for its vast, desert-like appearance.

More recordings here today / More in this erea

Date/time: October 9 2025, 1:27 pm

Weather: 16 ºc, partly clouded, wind WNW 15-25 km/h, 1026 hPa, humidity 70%, visibility 38 km, dew point 10 ºc, sun intensity 523 W/m2, Clouds 12 km high.

Location; sand drift Loonse en Drunense Duinen, van Gogh Nationaal Park, Drunen, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (Holland), Europe. GPS 51.65121 5.14910

Gear chain: Sennheiser mkh30/50 MS with pointed South, in Rycote cyclone small, windjammer > Sound Devices 302 >Tascam dr-100 Mk2. Noise floor 37.2 dB (whistling leaves), Decoded Mid-side to STEREO. Post edit; Blimp EQ correction, and limiter on -3 dB when necessary.

Original 68 minute MS-track 48/32 bit-float available for motivated pro's and artists.

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