of more than 150 observed species on April 14 indicates that spring has really broken out. Still present winter guests, migrants and arrived summer guests provide a wide range of species and as often as there are a few rarities in between. The King Eider that was first seen on March 24 is still present. From viewpoint De Tuintjes a few birders saw on the 7th of April an adult Iceland Gull flying to the north. A Pectoral Sandpiper stays from 11 April in polder Waal and Burg. It is worth mentioning that dozens of Ruffs are also seen in this area. On 12 April a probable Eastern Black-eared Wheatear was discovered at the Sluftervallei holiday park. If accepted, it is the second record of this species for Texel. The first record dates from May 4, 2003. Yesterday, April 14, a Red-rumped Swallow was seen in a small group of Barn Swallows. The bird used to feed at the Renvogelveld all day long and showed itself fantastic.
Waarschijnlijke Oostelijke Blonde Tapuit / Possible Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe melanoleuca, 2e cy ♂, De Cocksdorp, Texel, 13-04-2018
Roodstuitzwaluw / Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica, ad ♂, Renvogelveld, Texel, 14-04-2018