Excited? Register now!

The world is urbanising at a rapid pace. Yet there is a growing awareness that it is precisely the city that can play a key role in restoring our connection with nature. During this excursion on UvA Alumni Day, we will go birdwatching together in the heart of Amsterdam – discovering the city as birds see it: a diverse mosaic of ecosystems such as reed beds, parks, water and wild growth.

Please note: this session is in Dutch and this event also takes place in Vondelpark on Friday, 10 October.

Amsterdam is one of the greenest cities in the world – with more trees than residents and, according to some, more bird species than the Veluwe. But could this city also be granted the status of Urban National Park, as London was in 2019? What would that mean for both people and nature, and what would it ask of us as citizens?

We will observe various species of songbirds that call the heart of Amsterdam home. We'll be looking for three species of tit, you'll learn that Amsterdam is home to more than one type of gull, and with a bit of luck, we may spot a sparrowhawk or peregrine falcon in action. The great spotted woodpecker is quite at home in the city centre, and the charming stock dove is another species found nearby. Naturally, the now-famous ring-necked parakeets will be in attendance – but did you know there’s another species of green parakeet flying around Amsterdam?

Binoculars will be provided. No experience necessary – just curiosity.

Speakers

Birds have played an important role in Elias den Otter's life for many years. As a nature guide, he is continually reminded of how birds enhance the beauty and wonder of nature – often right in someone’s back garden or even on a balcony. This passion led him to become chair of a birdwatching association in Alkmaar and fuels his commitment to promoting a more local, nature-inclusive food system in his region. He believes that by strengthening local food and bird communities, we bring people closer to nature.

Since 2016, Den Otter has been affiliated with the University of Amsterdam as a lecturer in interdisciplinary social sciences. There, he has developed various innovative teaching methods. Den otter has an academic background in sociology.

Joris Buis

Joris Buis has been a passionate birdwatcher since childhood. Growing up in Amsterdam, he began exploring the local natural world at the age of ten, always with binoculars close at hand. He brought his love of birds along on family holidays, where birdwatching became a regular activity and he would spend hours poring over bird guides.

Today, Buis teaches at several universities (including the UvA), sharing his knowledge about birds, wild nature and conservation. He also works for IVN Nature Education, where he leads national programmes aimed at connecting young people with nature and inspiring environmental awareness. In this work, his lifelong passion for birds and his commitment to biodiversity come together. Buis has an academic background in forest and nature management.