Boomvalk / Hobby Falco subbuteo, 2 juv, De Koog, Texel, 12-09-2017

This year most probably only 2 pairs of Hobbies bred on Texel. The breeding of a pair in the dunes at Den Hoorn may have been killed by a predator. A pair that bred in the state forests at De Koog has successfully raised 3 youngs. 

Bosrietzanger / Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris, De Cocksdorp, Texel, 21-08-2017

Weather conditions in spring and autumn have a major impact on birds' migratory behavior. Indeed, an understatement. We had the last few weeks often quiet autumn weather with little wind or just like today heavy storm from the west. Both situations are often not beneficial for the passage of songbirds. Nevertheless, the discovery on September 9th of a rare Eastern Subalpine Warbler at the campsite De Robbenjager was a very beautiful one. Of course, songbirds will pass. They have to. Only we do not see large numbers.

Grote Jager / Great Skua Stercorarius skua, Marsdiep, Texel, 13-09-2017

The last few days it is mainly above sea interesting. Skuas, Gannets and Shearwaters are regularly observed above the waves. The first Leach's Storm Petrels will definitely be reported in the coming days. Today, the hard Southwest storm caused a massive exodus of waders and terns from the wadden area. Through the Marsdiep and the Wadden Sea at De Volharding many tens of thousands of birds flew in large groups. These were mainly Sandwich and Common Terns, Dunlins, Bar-tailed Godwits, Sanderlings, Red Knots and Grey Plovers.