Friesland in the Netherlands is the only area in the EU where the plundering of Lapwing nests is not only allowed but encouraged. The tradition of finding, stealing and then eating the first found egg of the year is rewarded by local government.
The first Frisian Lapwing egg of 2007 was found by Christiaan Noordhuis of Bolsward on Wednesday, March 7.
At 6pm Wednesday evening a representative of the Queen, Ed Nilpels, followed protocol by accepting the first Lapwing egg at the Leeuwarden provincial hall. Nijpels must eat the egg according to tradition. Noordhuis’ reward for the egg: EUR 15.
