Only twenty years ago, Texel was a stronghold of the Hen Harrier with around 20 breeding pairs. Unfortunately, this beautiful bird of prey has the status of scarce breeding bird in recent years with only 4 pairs. Also nationwide it goes badly with an estimated population of only 10-13 pairs in 2016. In the beginning of this century were still counted about 70 breeding pairs in the Netherlands (source: Sovon).  An important cause is the reduced food supply due to, among other things, management in the dune areas (grazing).

Texel has had more adult females than males for years. This year , the composition of the breeding pairs consisted of 3 males and 4 females. This often causes problems when raising the young. The young birds do not get enough food and often do not survive. The disappearance of the Hen Harrier as a breeding bird on Texel and in the rest of the Netherlands seems only a matter of time.

 Blauwe Kiekendief / Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus,  juv vrouw / female, Texel, 31-10- 2019

 Blauwe Kiekendief / Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus,  ad vrouw / female, Texel, 24 -04-2012Blauwe Kiekendief / Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus,  juv man / male, Texel, 22-10-2015 

 Blauwe Kiekendief / Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, ad man / male, Texel, 05-10-2016