19.06.2026 – 12 flamingo chicks have been spotted, but there are likely more.

June has arrived, and most birds are now busy raising their young. The flamingos are having a very successful breeding season: 12 flamingo chicks have already hatched, and a real "flamingo kindergarten" has formed, where the chicks stay together and are cared for by the adult birds. The young flamingos can now easily be observed from the North Hide. Whether more chicks will hatch in the coming days remains to be seen.

Although the Zwillbrocker Venn is best known for its flamingos, the nature reserve also attracts many birdwatchers interested in other species. Visitors come especially to see the Mediterranean Gull, the Common Crane, and the Horned Grebe, which can currently be spotted carrying its chicks on its back—a wonderful sight.

One of the most sought-after birds, however, is the Eurasian Golden Oriole.

The Golden Oriole is a striking but surprisingly difficult bird to spot. The male has brilliant yellow plumage with black wings, while the female is greenish-yellow. Despite its bright colours, the Golden Oriole rarely shows itself. More often, its presence is revealed by its beautiful, flute-like song, which sounds like a melodious "dudeljo".

The Golden Oriole is also regularly found around the Zwillbrocker Venn, especially in the deciduous forests and tree-lined areas surrounding the wetland. Many visitors hear its distinctive call, but only a lucky few actually catch sight of it. That is exactly what makes seeing a Golden Oriole such a special experience for birdwatchers and another great reason to visit the Zwillbrocker Venn.