it is possible to see rare species. This was evident from the discovery of a Desert Wheatear on November 7. This breeding bird from northern Africa was nicely viewed on the east side of the island. He caught plenty of insects on a few piles of soil and manure. 

Woestijntapuit / Desert Wheatear  Oenanthe deserti, 1cy ♂, Oosterend, Texel, 07-11-2020

A species that unfortunately only occasionally breeds on Texel today is Short-eared Owl. Twenty years ago, it was a permanent breeding bird with about 10 pairs. Short-eared Owls are real nomads. After the breeding season, they wander around in search of nutrient-rich areas. Their food consists of voles but also small birds including waders! Especially in the autumn and winter months, this species is often present on Texel in small numbers. Invisible most of the time but sometimes you can see them hunting.

Velduil / Short-eared Owl  Asio flammeus, De Cocksdorp, Texel, 04-11-2020