The DutchBirding weekend of 13-14 October unfortunately did not produce spectacular bird species. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper, dozens of Yellow-browed Leafwarblers and a few Barred Warblers were already present for the weekend. A Humpback whale swimming along the coast and some rare Vagrant Emperors on the north head caused sensation among a part of the birdwatchers present. Sure there was bird migration during this weekend. Birds benefited from the favorable weather conditions. With clear weather and east wind they flew high over and through!
An overflying rare Blyth's Pipit on 20 October was unfortunately only seen and heard by one observer. It is a new species for Texels.
Hard west wind and rain caused a drastic turnaround. Flying costs birds more energy under these conditions and they come down to rest and 'refuel'. The lower temperatures in the north of Europe also caused Waxwings to descend to the south. A beautiful group of eightteen birds was seen in De Koog, attracted by the numerous berry trees present.
On 27 October it was Arend Wassink, who came upon a rarity on a search through the Krimbos. A Red-eyed Vireo moved in a group of Goldcrests and some tits. This transatlantic vagrant was not previously seen on Texel. For the Netherlands it is only the ninth record. A Red-breasted Flycatcher, found on 28 October, along the Vuurtorenweg made the festivities even greater among the hundreds of birdwatchers. Texel finally has a North American songbird on the impressive bird list.
Roodoogvireo / Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceous, 1cy, De Cocksdorp, Texel, 28-10-2018
Zadellibel / Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger, ♂, De Cocksdorp, Texel, 14-10-2018