Alumni Week: What if you learned to observe the city like a bird?

Friday 9 October | 10:00-12:00 | Vondelpark, entrance Max Euweplein

The world is urbanising at a tremendous pace. Yet there is growing recognition that cities can play an important role in restoring our relationship with nature. During this excursion, we will go birdwatching together in the heart of Amsterdam and discover the city as birds experience it: as a diverse mosaic of ecosystems, including reed beds, parks, waterways and wild, overgrown areas.

Date: 9 October 2026
Time: 10:00 -12:00
Location: Vondelpark

Please note: this event is in Dutch.

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

During the excursion, we will observe a range of songbirds that call the very centre of Amsterdam home. We will look for three species of tit; you will learn that more than one species of gull can be found in Amsterdam and, with a bit of luck, we may see a Eurasian sparrowhawk or peregrine falcon in action. The great spotted woodpecker clearly appreciates Amsterdam’s inner city, and the charming stock dove is another species that can be found in the neighbourhood.

Of course, the now famous ring-necked parakeets will be there, but did you know that there is another species of green parakeet flying around Amsterdam? Binoculars are available. No prior experience is required – but curiosity is.

Speakers

Elias den Otter, a nature guide, continually experiences how birds enhance the beauty and sense of wonder found in nature - often simply in someone’s back garden or even on their balcony. This passion motivates him to work towards a more local, nature-inclusive food system in his region. Since 2016, Den Otter has taught interdisciplinary social sciences at the University of Amsterdam, where he has developed a range of innovative teaching approaches. He has an academic background in sociology.

Joris Buis has been a passionate birdwatcher since childhood. Today, he teaches at universities and shares his knowledge of birds, wild nature, and nature conservation. He also works for IVN Nature Education, where he leads nationwide programmes that connect young people with nature and inspire environmental awareness. Buis has an academic background in forest and nature management.

Alumni Week: What if you learned to observe the city like a bird?

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