Harvest mice

Creating a new nature area

Practicing our hobby, photography, can be quite a challenge in winter. In the Netherlands, winters are often bleak, gray, and rainy. Sunlight, one of the most critical elements for photography, is a rare sight.

Still, whenever the weather promises to stay dry, we seize the opportunity and head into nature. One of our favorite destinations, not far from home yet remarkably diverse, is the Oostvaardersplassen. This vast area, spanning 56 square kilometers, is the largest man-made nature reserve in the world.

Originally intended as an industrial zone, the plan was abandoned when it became clear that more industrial space wasn’t needed. Around 1968, small planes scattered reed seeds over the land, leaving it to grow undisturbed. Over time, this transformed the area into a thriving haven for birds of all shapes and sizes.

However, the ecosystem was far from balanced, so in 1983, Konik ponies and heck cattle were introduced. In 1992, red deer were added to the mix. These species thrived so well that their numbers soon exceeded what the area could sustain. After years of political debate, a management system was put in place. It now includes controlling population growth, humane culling of sick or weak animals, and occasional feeding during harsh conditions.

A pleasant surprise

Despite the ongoing discussions about the Oostvaardersplassen, it remains a place we love to visit. During our hikes, we often spot red deer, ponies, and even foxes. One winter day, though, after seeing several animals, but finding no exceptional photo opportunities, something special happened.

We turned a corner and noticed some reed stalks topped with fluffy heads swaying in the wind. However, two of these fluffy shapes appeared oddly round. Upon closer inspection, we realized they weren’t part of the reeds at all—harvest mice! Likely driven by hunger, these tiny creatures had left their warm nests near the ground in search of food.

Despite the challenge of the constantly moving stalks, we managed to capture a few photos. One mouse eventually noticed us, scurried down the stalk, and vanished. The other lingered a bit longer, though its position wasn’t quite as picturesque. After a while, it too disappeared into the reeds.

We continued our hike, the day still as gray and dreary as before, but our spirits noticeably brighter. We don’t always need large mammals for memorable photography moments. The smallest creatures, too, are part of God’s marvelous creation—a constant source of wonder and inspiration for us.

Harvest mouse in the reeds

Harvest mouse looking down