We began our tour with a morning flight to Amsterdam where we were joined by our excellent guides, Mark and Matt from Naturetrek. From the airport we drove to the Zuid-Kennemerland National park, a vast area of lakes, dunes and thickets where we soon heard Nightingales and watched a Bluethroat bathing at a pool. The shrubs and pools were all busy with warblers, waders and hirundines were in large numbers swooping over the water. We then drove to Texel, a small island reached by a short ferry ride where a flock of Spoonbills flew past. The second day was spent at a large nature reserve at Oostvaardersplassen. We were able to see many warblers and waders and a Red-breasted Goose looking spectacular. We drove to a number of viewing sites and had a raptor spectacular of Buzzards, White-tailed Eagles, Goshawk and Marsh Harrier. Warblers were all heard in good numbers. After two nights in the hotel on Texel, we left the island to head toward the National Parks further inland. There we settled into a small, family-run, friendly hotel. Over the next three days we visited various large forests and National Parks. Some were lucky enough to see the Black Woodpecker. The majority got good views of the Red-backed Shrike, Wood Warbler, Woodlarks, Crested Tits, Redstarts and Tree Pipits. The Cuckoo called at regular intervals and we watched the Short-toed Treecreeper pop in and out of a crack in an old tree where it was obviously feeding young. The trip was a great success, regardless of the rather inclement weather. Our leaders were experienced, dedicated and patient, determined to find as many species as they could for us to see. The final total was 121 species. Di Bunniss