De Koog, De Cocksdorp, Den Hoorn

Find out why Texel is a bird paradise! Spot spoonbills, black-tailed godwits and bitterns, follow the Bird Boulevard and get tips to photograph birds perfectly.

Texel is a true bird paradise. Its coastal location, the alternation of wet and dry nature reserves and the open landscapes make the island a magnet for countless bird species. Not only do many birds breed here, but migratory birds also descend en masse in spring and autumn to rest and forage. Thanks to this huge variety, there is something special to spot all year round!

One of the best places to watch birds is the Vogelboulevard, a collection of bird-rich Nature reserves along the east side of Texel. This strip runs from the ferry port in the south to the lighthouse in the north and includes more than 15 areas directly bordering the Wadden Sea. Here you will find, among others, Ottersaat, Dijkmanshuizen and De Schorren. The combination of mudflats, salt marshes and shallow water makes this an ideal place for waders such as the black-tailed godwit, redshank, ruddy godwit and dunlin. During high tide, they retreat en masse to resting places such as De Schorren, where they stand close together along the marsh edges, waiting for the water to recede.

Where can you see which birds?

The marshy areas of Het Alloo are home to birds such as the lapwing, white wagtail and wheatear. This area, with its open grasslands and wet meadows, mainly attracts insectivores and waders. In the wide reedbeds around the Horspolders and Kreeftepolder, bluethroats, reed buntings and the mysterious bittern nest. Here you have a chance to hear these birds before you see them, so listen carefully!

One of Texel's three spoonbill colonies is located at Uitkijkplatform De Geul. These graceful birds return from Africa every spring and can be recognised by their long, spoon-shaped beak and graceful flight. You can often see them fishing in small groups in shallow water, waving their beaks from side to side through the water in search of sticklebacks and shrimps.

Those who want to spot birds would do well to bring binoculars. Many species linger in the reed beds or stay at a safe distance from people, and without binoculars you will miss the details. The best times to see birds are in the early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active and the light is also perfect for photography. By staying calm and moving slowly, you stand the best chance of observing birds up close. Waders and other shorebirds are especially good to see during rising tides, when they move closer to the shore to look for food.

Want to photograph birds with your smartphone? Then digiscoping is a handy technique: gently place your phone lens against the eyepiece lens of your binoculars and you can suddenly get birds much closer. Make sure your hands are as still as possible or use a tripod for extra stability. Don't have binoculars? Then try photographing birds in their environment, such as a spoonbill among the reeds or a group of waders along the tide line. This often produces surprisingly beautiful compositions!

Whether you are an experienced birder or just want to enjoy nature, Texel offers endless opportunities to spot birds. Grab your binoculars and discover for yourself why this island is so popular with birds and bird lovers alike!


This Premium Cycle route was compiled by our editor: Désirée van Uffelen.