This sunrise was taken near the Mechels Broeck, on the outskirts of Mechelen (Belgium)
This nature reserve consists of a number of sub-areas.
Northwest of the visitor centre and adjacent to De Nekker is the Mechels Broek. Natuurpunt manages over 100 hectares of wet grasslands with ditches, bomb pits, pollard willows and wood edges here. The large pond with reed beds and sedges, the numerous ditches, bushes and bushes attract many species of birds such as bluethroat, kingfisher, sedge warbler, shoveler or tufted duck. In winter, the trousers are a veritable international airport of birds. Many species of ducks and waterfowl then winter on the ponds in large numbers. With a watchtower, a bird-watching hide and various tracking and listening tours, there is much more to experience in Mechels Broek.
Southeast of the visitor centre, you can visit the Barebeek Valley. The Barebeek valley is part of the cultural landscape of the Mechelen river area and offers a vast landscape full of variety. Between humid meadows, shrublands and fields, you will discover why Planckendael storks find their food here. You do not experience the feeling of wilderness as in Mechels Broek as the paths are largely paved. As a result, it is possible to walk in the area all year round and it is suitable for prams.
My name is Patrick Haleyt, a nature and black-and-white street photographer driven by a deep fascination with the raw beauty of the natural world. My work focuses on capturing the quiet intensity of nature and landscapes - moments where light, form and emotion merge into timeless simplicity. My.. Read more…