Blauwborst / Bluethroat Luscinia svecica, ♂, Texel, 25-08-2023

Bluethroats are now difficult to see. With an estimated number of breeding pairs of at least one hundred and twenty-five, this species is well represented on Texel. Early in spring, often around mid-March, the first birds return from Africa. After September, sightings of this species are very rare.

Blauwe Kiekendief / Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, 1 cy ♀, Texel, 04-09-2023 

This year, 'three pairs' of Hen Harriers once again bred on Texel. It concerned two females with one male and a pair. A total of eight young birds fledged. Also nationally, this bird of prey with only about ten pairs is an extremely scarce breeding bird. Unfortunately, many young Hen Harriers do not survive their first winter. The photo above shows a young female that fledged on Texel this year. A transmitter is placed on her back. By tagging birds, researchers hope to gain more insight into the decline of this beautiful bird. (source; Lieuwe Dijksen)