Duck decoy on the Old Scheldt in Bornem and Weert

The Bornem duck decoy is located along the old Scheldt arm that was naturally cut off in the 13th century. The Old Scheldt was partially dike-protected starting in 1283 and subsequently cut off by dikes of the Scheldt. Historical sources mention a considerable duck catch at Bornem as early as 1318, for which a large catching facility or duck decoy was needed. The duck decoy in Bornem is part of the castle domain of Marnix of Saint-Aldegonde. The decoy has been expanded and improved several times, resulting in seven catch pipes, three to the north and four to the south of the Old Scheldt. In 1877, an average of 200 to 250 pairs of domestic ducks stayed there, and catching took place from October 1 to April 1. During the catch, the decoy man would lure the tame ducks with a whistling sound to announce feeding time. To attract the ducks into the catch pipe, two small reddish long-haired dogs were used, which would run in circles along the pipe. For the wild birds, it was as if several dogs were running in a row towards the end of the catch pipe. The curious birds would follow the dog. At the end of the catch pipe, there was a removable catching net. Alongside the catch pipes were screens that were attached to pollards and pollard willows. In 1972, duck catching with decoys was legally prohibited. Since then, the decoy has been managed by the ANB. On the southern bank, the catch pipes have been preserved. The structure consists of a span of semi-circular brackets, with accordion wire mesh and black nylon nets. The dense vegetation around the duck decoy was intended to give the pipes a natural appearance without frightening the wild ducks. Today, the area includes, among others, sycamore, hazel, grey poplar, black alder, and elm, as well as various species of willow.

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