Finally a new blog post. After two foreign trips with BirdingBreaks.nl as a tour guide I can hit the road again on 'my' island. January and February are generally quiet months. Wintering geese, a single Rough-legged Buzzard and multiple Short-eared Owls make things hum. At the Robbenjager a Great Bittern is regularly seen. Nowadaysa rare appearance on Texel. The first White- and Pied Wagtails have been seen and in some places hunting Marsh Harriers above the reeds. Also a few Woodlarks sing their song in different places. Early migratory birds as Mistle Thrushes are reported in recent days. What can we expect in the coming weeks? The first Bluethroat, the hesitant tune of Willow Warbler, a stray Red Kite, who knows. Slowly the spring comes closer and we leave the winter behind us.

Velduil / Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus, Texel, 09-03-2016

Slobeend / Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata, De Cocksdorp, Texel, 07-03-2016