First ljipaai municipality Opsterland found near Nij Beets
The first ljipaai of the municipality of Opsterland was found early Monday morning by Henner de Vries (52) from Noardburgum. He made the discovery on a plot of land near Nij Beets.
De Vries was up early. "I had set the alarm for half past five, but I was already awake at five." After a cup of coffee, he drove through the fog toward the area. When the fog lifted and he entered the countryside, he soon saw a lapwing take flight. A little later, he found the egg in a nest.
De Vries has been searching for ljipaaien since he was a child. As a boy, he used to search in the area around Gytsjerk. Nowadays, he is a volunteer at Vogelwacht Noardburgum and is also active in the Vogelwacht Nij Beets - De Veenhoop monitoring area.
When the bird watcher checked the find and confirmed that it was Opsterland's first egg, De Vries said it was "an indescribable feeling." He then quickly went on to work.
Years ago, his son already accompanied him on his travels. At that time, he won the Sulveren Polske as a youth scout. "Then I said to him: Dad will win it again someday. And this year, I've got it."
On Tuesday, he visited the town hall in Beetsterzwaag, where Mayor Andries Bouwman presented him with a certificate and a finder's fee. With this discovery, the Frije Fjild in the municipality of Opsterland has been closed. Congratulations, Henner de Vries!
