floodplein river Maas close to village Hedikhuizen Netherlands 708 PM 250420_1075

Windy floodplains of the Meuse River in the Netherlands on an early evening in April.
There is a lovely breeze this evening on the floodplain of the Meuse. In the distance, on the other side of the river, traffic drives along the dyke. Pheasants, crows and coots can be heard, but there are even more birds chirping.

About the picture
A peaceful and expansive landscape unfolds on the riverbank of the Meuse near Hedikhuizen.
At the bottom of the dike, a microphone stands on a tripod, ready to capture the sounds of nature.
The dike and floodplains are covered with fresh green grass and bordered by tall reeds and yellow flowers.
On the right-hand side is a wooden information board with a map for cyclists who come here to enjoy the view.
And on both sides of the river further on are a few trees, their silhouettes outlined against a grey, cloudy sky.
The openness of the landscape is typical of the banks of the Meuse in this part of the river, which flows from France in this direction.

It is quiet by the river. Some wind blows through the bushes. Across from drives some traffic.

Birds detected by Merlin Bird ID app (ver. 3.7.2 (256 – 2025)
#0:03 #0:12 #0:39 #0:44 Carrion Crow
#0:09 #0:36 Eurasian Coot
#0:02 #0:44 Common Pheasant

Date/time: April 20 2025, 7:08 pm

Weather in time: 16c, 100% cloudy, wind NNW 11 - 25 km/h, 1031 hPa, humidity 51%, cloud ceiling 1900 m, visibility 44 km

Location; river Maas/Meuse near village Hedikhuizen, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (Holland), Europe. Gps: 51.74023, 5.18371

Gear chain: Sennheiser mkh30/50 MS, in Rycote cyclone small, windjammer > Sound Devices 302 >Tascam dr-100 Mk2. Decoded Mid-side to STEREO. Blimp EQ and, limiter -3dB.

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About the floodplain

The floodplain near Hedikhuizen is an ecologically valuable area along the Meuse River, with a rich history and an important role in water management and nature development.

The floodplains are the low-lying lands between the river and the winter dyke. At Hedikhuizen, they form a characteristic part of the Meuse landscape, with a mix of nature, cultural history and hydrological functions.

The floodplain consists of grasslands, reed beds and marshy areas. This variety provides habitat for numerous species, including water birds, amphibians and insects.
Here you will find species such as the yellow wagtail, reed warbler, and sometimes even the beaver. The flora includes marsh plants such as cattail, meadowsweet, and marsh marigold.

Due to its relative tranquillity and limited development, the area is attractive to breeding birds and wintering waterfowl.

The dyke and floodplain are accessible via various footpaths. Cyclists can cycle for miles along the dykes, which are closed to motor vehicles.