Along the shore of Lake IJsselmeer there are three nature reserves on the sandflats outside the dykes. When Lake IJsselmeer was still the Zuiderzee, these coastal sandflats were often flooded by the tide. Now they are part of Lake IJsselmeer and are overgrown with vegetation.
The Makkumerzuidwaard and Makkumernoordwaard nature reserves run along the shore near the village of Makkum. The Kooiwaard nature reserve is slightly further south near the village of Piaam. A charming footpath leads from the village to the De Ral bird-watching hide. Sometimes you can hear bittern booming in the reed beds. From inside the hide there is a marvellous view of Lake IJsselmeer. And there is a good chance that you will see many water birds such as gadwall ducks, mute swan, common shelducks, shoveler ducks, grey heron and water rails.
