A Gyrfalcon has been on Texel since the 7th of December last year, but possibly even longer. The young bird is regularly seen in the Slufter and Muy nature reserves. Not surprising when you know that this powerhouse needs open areas to hunt. The world's largest falcon breeds in Europe on the tundras of Iceland and northern Scandinavia. The last record of this iconic species was twelve years ago. Several hundred birdwatchers have traveled to Texel in recent weeks to see the bird. This is the tenth record for the Netherlands and the first for the Wadden island of Texel.
Giervalk - Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus, 2cy, Texel, 17-02-2024