Mergus is the bird study group serving Northwest Flanders and is identified with Natuurpunt Noord-West-Vlaanderen. The group brings together people interested in birds, nature observation and conservation, with activities focused on studying local bird populations and protecting wildlife. Its study projects cover breeding birds, geese, swifts, barn owls, herons, peregrine falcons, birds of prey and waterbirds. Mergus also supports nature conservation initiatives, including work involving owls and swallows, and invites members and supporters to contribute to its activities.

The group shares regular birding highlights, monthly news and reports on observations, migration and counts, including waterbird surveys in Bruges and the surrounding region. Visitors can find information about activities, bird sightings and migration counts, as well as links to project resources. Mergus also provides travel information for birding destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with details of past trips. Based in Bruges, the organisation offers a local community for people who want to observe birds, take part in research and support nature conservation in Northwest Flanders.