Stokman duck decoy: bird hotel with history
Discover ducks, birds of prey and more
A visit to the duck decoy is peaceful and special. Among the reeds, you can see how the ducks live. You'll hear birds singing, and you might even spot birds of prey. If you're lucky, you might even see a bat, a stoat, a treecreeper, or a kingfisher! In the spring, especially in April and May, you can take a guided tour. Simone or Ton Stokman will accompany you and tell you all about the duck decoy.
A long history
The Stokman duck decoy has existed for a very long time. In 1701, it was built on a piece of old land in what was once the Spieringmeer lake. The decoy is still there! It's an important and ancient piece of history. The Stokman family has cared for the decoy since 1757. In 1990, the land came into the possession of Landschap Noord-Holland, but the Stokman family continued to manage it. If you look around, you'll see that the land around the decoy is slightly higher than the rest of the polder. This is because this piece of land already existed before Haarlemmermeer was drained. The 1318-meter boundary is still indicated by signs in the area.
What you need to know if you are going to visit the Duck Decoy
Would you like to visit the duck decoy? You can. but by appointment only. Guided tours are offered in the spring (from mid-April to the end of May). These are usually held in the afternoon or evening. A ticket costs €10 for adults. Children up to and including 12 pay €6,75. Donors to Landschap Noord-Holland receive a discount. If you'd like to join a guided tour, you'll need to make a reservation. You can do this through Simone or Ton Stokman, by phone or email.
Contact
Duck decoy Stokman
Kromme Spieringweg 355
2141 BW Vijfhuizen
The Netherlands
Explore nature in and around Haarlemmermeer:
De Groene Weelde: explore nature & come for a walk in Vijfhuizen
Westeinderplassen: a unique nature reserve next to Haarlemmermeer
The Haarlemmermeerse Bos: from playground to Spartel pond
