Looking back at 2025

January

Another year has passed, so it’s time for an overview. This year, we took things a bit easier with the year list. That doesn’t mean we didn’t do much birding.

On the contrary, a lot of time was spent in the field. Especially in spring, I spent a lot of time counting at a new location in the Maashorst near the Hofmans Plassen. From March 10 to May 31, I counted almost every day, and of course, I was often at the De Brobbelbies Noord observation post for the autumn counts. We didn’t make any trips abroad this year, although that was actually the plan. It just didn’t happen. Here follows an extensive overview of our birding year 2025.

On January 1, we held our traditional Big Day in the province of Zeeland. This time together with Alwin Borhem and Donny Dolman. We hesitated whether to go because wind force 8 was forecast. Still, this didn’t stop us, and early in the morning, we were in the woods near the village of Clinge. The wind was indeed strong, and we were surprised that a Tawny Owl was calling loudly. With the thermal imager, we found several Woodcocks in the twilight and we thought the birding could be still ok today. However, this turned out not to be the case. The forest remained very quiet, and the 27 species we saw was a poor score compared to previous years. The rest of the day, the storm continued to bother us, and we ended up with 91 species. The lowest score ever; a video of the day can be viewed here.

On January 3, we visited Flevoland for the Pygmy Cormorant that had been there for quite some time. Then we drove to Heerhugowaard for a Ring-necked Duck and a Baikal Teal. The Ring-necked Duck was quickly found, but the Baikal Teal did not show up. Just before we wanted to drive home, we received a DBAlerts notification of a real Pacific Loon found at Neeltje Jans. A new species for the Netherlands and thus for our list. It even counted for the world list! It was already late in the afternoon, and we quickly calculated whether we could make it before dark, especially considering possible traffic jams. It should just be possible, so we set off for Neeltje Jans. Just before dusk, we arrived at the reported spot and could, albeit in the distance, see the Pacific Loon swimming. The first new species of the year was in.

That same day, we received a report of a Bluethroat in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park near the Vogelmeer. The sighting came with a photo. A mega species for the month, so the next day we were early at the reported location. A Lesser Scaup that had been there for some time was eagerly added to the year list. It took a while, but suddenly I saw the Bluethroat foraging in the vegetation. A fantastic species for the month and completely unexpected.

Because I wasn’t able to take photos of the Pacific Loon, we went back to Neeltje Jans on January 11. Before heading there, I picked up my new camera, the Canon R1, which I had ordered in December. I could test it right away. At the same time, we could try for some species we missed during the Big Day on January 1. The Pacific Loon was seen again, but it was still too far away for a photo. For the year list, we added Red-breasted Goose, Black Brant, and Long-tailed Duck.

On January 12, a Yellow-billed Loon was reported in the Haarlemmermeer polder. We were already on our way to look for the Baikal Teal we had searched for earlier. Since it was on the route, we decided to visit the loon. We didn’t regret it, the bird showed itself very well and was easy to photograph. Then we drove to the Baikal Teal, which we found this time. On the way back, we also visited a Hume’s Leaf Warbler near Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.

On January 13, a Spectacled Eider was reported with a photo on Texel. Birding Netherlands was briefly confused, could this really be true? Soon, local birders from Texel confirmed that the bird was still there and looked fine. For us, it was already too late to go to Texel that day. So, we decided to take the first ferry to Texel the next day, hoping the Spectacled Eider would still be there.

For clarification, a Spectacled Eider is a mega rarity in the Western Palearctic, and especially on Texel. If you want to see a Spectacled Eider, you usually have to go to a northern tip of Alaska. So, there was interest not only from the Dutch birding community.

The next day, as mentioned, we took the first ferry to Texel and were already standing in the dark on the dike with many other birders, waiting for daylight to search for the Spectacled Eider, which was not present at that moment. The waiting began, and it took at least an hour until suddenly the Spectacled Eider flew in. There were now more than 400 people on the dike, all going wild. The Spectacled Eider could be seen well through the telescope, and photos and a video were made. The second new species of the year was a fact, and what a species! In the following days, many more birders came to Texel to see the Spectacled Eider. Many British, French, Belgians, and even birders from outside Europe came to Texel to add this iconic species to their list.

On January 18, another attempt was made to photograph the Pacific Loon. This time, we couldn’t find the bird, even though it had been seen at close range earlier that morning. We had to settle for a Red-necked Grebe and an European Shag, both of which counted for the year list. On the way back, we also saw a Great Northern Diver and a group of Greater Flamingos, both new additions to the year list.

On January 26, we saw a Black-throated Loon at the Kraaijenbergse Plassen, which also counted for the year list. This concluded the month. It had been a fantastic month with two completely new species for the Netherlands. Our year list now stood at 132 species, and the month list had grown by three species to 288.

February

The Spectacled Eider was still present on January 31, so on February 1 we were already early in the morning on Texel for the month list. The Spectacled Eider cooperated nicely and was quickly found. We had enough time to look for a few year species such as Shore Lark and Twite. The next day we drove to Neeltje Jans, where we searched in vain for the Pacific Loon for the month list. On the way back to Uden, we visited a small group of Snow Buntings at the Oesterdam, which counted for the year list.

On February 7, we drove again to Neeltje Jans. After a long search, we found the Pacific Loon in the icy wind. Fortunately, we could confirm this month’s species. Again, there were no photo opportunities. On February 21, we were at the Brobbelbies Noord observation post for migrating Common Cranes. Only one group was seen, but we did see several groups of White Storks, which is actually quite early in the year. The Cranes counted for the year list, and a present Great Grey Shrike was gladly noted for the year list as well. Unlike January, not much else happened in February, and the year list ended at 153 species. The month list increased by two species to 271.

March

On March 1, we were once again early on the dike at the IJzeren Kaap on Texel, where the Spectacled Eider was still being seen. Once again, it cooperated and was quickly found. We were also able to add a Pale-bellied Brent Goose on Texel to our year list. We didn’t search for the Pacific Loon; the latest rumors were that the bird had probably been eaten by a seal. It was not seen again for the rest of the year. On March 2, we drove to the province of Zeeland for a Green-winged Teal, which counted for both the year and province lists. On the way there, we visited the Lesser White-fronted Geese in the Oudeland van Strijen, and on the way back, a Ferruginous Duck at Rilland. Both of these birds also counted for the year list. On March 3, we set out for a reported Cackling Goose at the Sneekermeer. It took some searching, but Donny Dolman finally relocated the bird late in the afternoon at another spot. The Cackling Goose counted for both the year and month lists. March 8 and 9 were spent at the Breskens migration watchpoint. They were enjoyable counts, but without any truly spectacular species. See here for an overview of March 8 and here for an overview of March 9. On the way back on March 9, we also visited a Hooded Crow near Oud-Vossemeer for the year list.

On March 10, I started counting at the Hofmans Plassen in the Maashorst. The first day immediately yielded a Red Kite. I spent a lot of time at this migration site. The usual year species trickled in. Not much else exciting happened in the Netherlands, and by the end of the month, the counter stood at 171 species. For the month list, I saw two new species, bringing my March total to 291 species.

April

On April 1, I was counting at the Hofmans Plassen together with Teun van Kessel and Maartje. There were reasonable numbers of birds flying. Around 10 o’clock, we saw some mergansers flying high over the lake. We simultaneously called out “Red-breasted Mergansers.” A real highlight for our region, and I immediately tried to take some record shots. However, the birds turned around and landed on the lake. Now it was clear that they were indeed four Red-breasted Mergansers, three males and one female. The sighting was shared in the local app group, and soon the first birders arrived. The Red-breasted Mergansers stayed all day, but the next morning they were already gone. This was only the second sighting of this species in my region.

On April 8, a Bonelli’s Eagle was reported late in the afternoon near Egmond. A new species for our Dutch list, which we still needed. We hoped the bird’s roosting spot would be found so we could go and wait the next morning. Fortunately, we were told where the bird had landed. In the dark, we were already waiting at a spot where we expected the Bonelli's Eagle. It was a cloudy day with poor visibility. Around 10 o’clock, I saw a raptor spiraling up from the forest, matching the silhouette of a Bonelli's Eagle, and it turned out to be the bird. Unfortunately, it was too far for a good photo, and the poor light didn’t help either. The Bonelli’s Eagle also flew the wrong way, but we were just happy with this new species for our Dutch list. The day wasn’t over yet, because we still had an appointment with the Spectacled Eider this month. We drove on to Texel and quickly found the Spectacled Eider for the month list.

Meanwhile, counting continued every day at the Hofmans Plassen, and on April 13, we started the morning with two Pallid Harriers. The first, a beautiful adult male, didn’t fly too far, and when I wanted to take photos, I realized my camera wasn’t set up correctly. The night before, I had changed my settings to photograph an Eurasian Wryneck in the twilight. My ISO was still set too high, so I saw a white image through the viewfinder. The fishermen on the other side could probably hear me cursing. I fixed my settings, and 20 minutes later, a second Pallid Harrier flew past the watchpoint. This time, I managed to take record shots of the female. It turned out to be a very good day at the watchpoint, and we also saw a new species for me in the region, a Little Gull. An overview of the count can be found here.

The next day, a Short-toed Snake Eagle was reported at the Deelensche Veld while we were counting. A species that still counted for the month list. There was no hesitation, and we immediately drove to the Deelensche Veld. We didn’t have to search long for the Short-toed Snake Eagle; it turned out to be an adult.

On April 18, Teun discovered a Griffon Vulture during the count at the Hofmans Plassen, which rose from the Maashorst and apparently had spent the night there. A very good regional species, which I had already seen once before. It also turned out to be one of the earliest ever in the Netherlands. There was one seen once on April 6.

On April 24, we visited a Eurasian Stone-curlew that was in the Maasheggen near Beugen. We found the bird quickly, but due to the rain, there were no photo opportunities.

At the end of April, the year list stood at 207 species. The month list had grown by three species to 345.

May

On May 1, we could be found in the Lelystad Nature Park for the Pygmy Cormorant that had been there for some time. The bird still counted for Maartje’s month list; I had already seen it in all months of the year. We had to search a bit, but Maartje now also has the Pygmy Cormorant in all months. After that, we visited the Kamperhoek migration site. It had been a while since I was last there, and the counters present were surprised to see me. We counted until noon; the highlight was an Eurasian Bittern crossing the Ketelmeer, which still counted for the year list. On the way back to Uden, we visited a Great Reed Warbler for the year list.

On May 2, I was counting again at the Hofmans Plassen and could note my first Black Stork for 2025. From now on, I was at the Hofmans Plassen almost every day, hoping for a rare species for the region. On May 11, an European Turtle Dove flew by. It had been a long time since I had seen one in the Maashorst. I counted 2 Red- and 2 Black Kites, and there was also some European Honey Buzzard migration. A nice number of 188 Grey-headed Wagtails were counted, which I had never seen in such numbers in the Maashorst. On May 13, upon arrival at the migration site, a Great Reed Warbler was singing. A very good species for the region. The bird stayed for at least another two weeks. On May 15, we experienced the highlight of the counts at the Hofmans Plassen. Just before 9 o’clock, a Caspian Tern suddenly flew over the lake. I had secretly hoped for this species but did not expect to see it. It flew around the lake for at least 20 minutes and even caught a fish.

On May 16, we left for Friesland for the annual Top of Holland. Again, we stayed with my aunt in Oudwoude. On the way, we visited Dwingelderveld, where three Red-footed Falcons had been for several days. The birds were still there and allowed for nice photos. We also visited Lauwersmeer, where a Broad-billed Sandpiper and a Pectoral Sandpiper were noted for the year list. There were remarkably many Temminck’s Stints in the Ezumakeeg.

On May 17, we started the Top of Holland at 1 a.m. looking for owls. The night session was disappointing, and we only saw a Little Owl. The European Nightjars were also very quiet, but we still managed to find one. The songbirds did much better, fortunately. We did our usual ToH round, and at Diependal, I saw my first Otter for the Netherlands. No real rarities were found, but we did have 13 new species for the year list. The day ended with 151 species, which is not bad.

On the way back to Uden, European Bee-eaters were reported at the Hemelrijksche Waard near Lithoijen. A new species for our Brabant list, so we sped up a bit. Fortunately, the birds stayed, and after 45 years of birding, I could finally add this species to my Brabant list.

On May 19, we were in Weert, where at dusk we noted an Eurasian Scops Owl for the year list. Earlier in the day, a River Warbler was seen in De Bruuk, which also counted for the year list.

On May 23, I started the morning counting at the Hofmans Plassen. There was not much flying, so we decided to drive to the Biesbosch for two White-winged Terns for the year list. We had to search a bit, but the birds were found at a distance. We also picked up a Glossy Ibis for the year list. Just after we got home, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper was reported in the Keent, which we could not ignore. The Keent is not far, and the bird could be observed and photographed very nicely. The last spring count at the Hofmans Plassen was on May 30. I really enjoyed the counts and will definitely be back in the spring of 2026.

May ended with 243 species for the year list. Maartje had 2 new month species, and I had none. My month list remained at 349 species.

June

There were no new month species for us in the Netherlands, so we didn’t need to go out on June 1. In the morning, we were at the Brobbelbies Noord migration site hoping for a Short-toed Snake Eagle or something similar. Around 10:30, Maartje spotted a raptor that looked larger than a Buzzard. The bird was quite far away, so I aimed the telescope at it. During a turn, I saw the upperwings, and it was unmistakably an eagle. Given the dark plumage and white spot pattern, I thought it was a Greater Spotted Eagle, but I couldn’t rule out a Lesser Spotted Eagle. The eagle flew too far for a photo, and I jumped in the car to try to get closer. Maartje and Jan Verhoeven stayed at the migration site to keep an eye on the bird. Once I arrived at a spot where I could see the bird closer, it had already flown low towards the European Bison area. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the eagle again. I did report it on DBAlerts, hoping it would be picked up somewhere else, but that didn’t happen. In the afternoon, we visited an Eurasian Eagle Owl that has been breeding in our region for some time for the year list.

On June 5, a Greater Spotted Eagle was reported near Wijhe. With the bird from the Maashorst still fresh in mind, we decided to visit this one. Upon arrival, the bird was sitting on a pole and could be observed and photographed very nicely. The Greater Spotted Eagle counted for both the year and month list. The upperwing pattern looked a lot like the bird from the Maashorst on June 1, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same bird. It was a pity we couldn’t take photos of the first one.

On June 9, we visited a Woodchat Shrike near Tongeren in the Veluwe. We had to walk quite a distance and search a lot, but eventually, we found the bird.

On June 10, we drove to Maastricht for a Squacco Heron. The bird could be observed very well, and a nice video was made. The Squacco Heron still counted for the year list. The same went for a Falcated Duck we saw not far from the Squacco Heron. Both birds also counted for the Limburg list.

On June 11, we started with a Little Bittern at a location in Brabant. In the afternoon, we drove to Zwolle for a Corncrake. Then, in the dark, we waited at Blokzijl for a Little Crake, which could be heard nicely. All three species counted for the year list.

On June 14, we drove to the Kwade Hoek for a Melodious Warbler. The bird was singing exuberantly and could be observed very well. Another new year species. At the Grevelingen, Kentish Plover and Little Tern were added to the year list. A second Melodious Warbler at the Veerse Meer was visited, which counted for the Zeeland list. At Westdorpe, a Snow Goose was also visited for the year list.

On June 15, we searched in vain in Enkhuizen for a Yellow-browed Warbler that had been seen singing a day earlier. Unfortunately, this would have been a very good one for the month. The Yellow-browed Warbler was not seen again.

On June 17, we visited a Black Guillemot for the year list near Vlissingen in the Sloe area.

On June 22, I had to go with Maartje to the Geuldal for a Lesser Purple Emperor. A new butterfly species for her, and for me too, but I don’t actively keep a butterfly list. The Lesser Purple Emperor took some searching but was eventually seen nicely. That same day, we also did the Small Blue for her butterfly list, which now stands at 71 species. The number one in the Netherlands stands at 76.

On June 26, photos surfaced of a Brambling near Anderen in Drenthe. A very good one for the month list. The Gull-billed Terns were already being reported at Alteveer, they were very early this year and also counted for the month list. On June 29, we first went to the Gull-billed Terns, which were quickly found. The Brambling was a bit more difficult, but we could also note this species for the month list. We hoped the Brambling would stay. We still needed it for July and August.

By the end of June, the year list stood at 258 species. I had 3 new month species, and the June list now stands at 310 species.

July

On July 2, we stood early at the campsite in Anderen, searching for the Brambling for the July month list. The Brambling was not very cooperative, and we had to search for a long time for a brief sighting, but it still counted.

On July 10, we did a successful round in Limburg for a Short-toed Treecreeper and a White-throated Dipper for the year list.

On July 15, we saw a beautiful Woodchat Shrike near Erp in our region. The bird could be observed and photographed nicely. The Woodchat Shrike would remain in the area for several weeks. Today, we also started the autumn counts at the Brobbelbies Noord.

On July 19, we were on Texel. Here, we saw a American- and Asian Golden Plovers, both of which counted for the year list. We also managed to find a tricky Rosy Starling, which was also added to the year list. From Texel, we drove to Groningen for a reported Long-legged Buzzard. Upon arrival, we had just missed the bird. We searched all afternoon but could not find it again. We had to settle for 2 Red Kites and several Montagu’s Harriers, which was still quite good.

The rest of the month, I spent a lot of time at the migration site. Reasonable numbers of Red Kites and Black Storks were seen during this period. On July 22, a Temminck’s Stint was found at the Hofmans Plassen, also a good regional species and only my second ever.

At the end of the month, the year list stood at 264 species. The month list grew by only one species and now stands at 302.

August

On August 1, we were of course back at the campsite in Anderen because the Brambling was still being seen every day. We were there early and were allowed to sit at the caravan of the discoverer, and even got coffee. It didn’t take long before the Brambling showed up. This time, it showed itself very well and some nice photos were taken. We now have the Brambling in all months of the year.

I was again often at the migration site. The counts were not wild yet, but Red Kites and Black Storks were regularly seen. On August 10, we had a group of 200 White Storks above the migration site. The next day, Gerard van Aalst reported 5 European Bee-eaters at his migration site, Brobbelbies Zuid. A new regional species for me, so we quickly drove to his site where we found 7 European Bee-eaters.

On August 18, I saw the first Eurasian Dotterel of the year flying over the migration site. Also, a Tawny Pipit that day still counted for the year list.

On August 24, we had to go to Malburgen for a reported Ring-billed Gull that still counted for both the month and year list.

At the migration site, migration was in full swing, as evidenced by the numbers of Tawny Pipits, Western Marsh Harriers, Ospreys, and even an Eurasian Wryneck.

On August 27, a Western Swamphen was found near the spot where it had been a few years ago. The bird counted for the month list, so we had to go. Upon arrival, we found the bird almost immediately. It also counted for the year list.

At the end of the month, we stood at 268 species for the year list, and the month list had grown by 3 species to 307.

September

On September 1, we started at the migration site. Not much was flying, so we drove to Zevenhuizen where the Western Swamphen was now being seen daily. The bird was cooperative, and we found it quickly; the Western Swamphen counts for the month list. An Eurasian Hoopoe that was not far away was also picked up for the year list.

At the migration site, it was pleasant, and almost daily we were treated to Ospreys, Eurasian Dotterels, and Tawny Pipits. On September 5, we saw a Black Kite, which is really scarce in autumn. On September 6, a Short-toed Snake Eagle flew over the migration site. On September 8, a group of 11 Eurasian Dotterels flew over the migration site, my largest group so far at the site.

Not much happened in the Netherlands, but I didn’t mind; it was very enjoyable at the migration site. On September 21, I stood together with Maartje in the early morning at the migration site when just after dawn, a beautiful adult male Pallid Harrier flew right past us. Our third Pallid Harrier this year in the region

On September 24, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits flew over the migration site, a very rare species for us.

On September 27, a Bonaparte’s Gull was found in the harbour of Den Helder. A good species that also counted for the month list. We decided to start at the migration site the next day and, if the Bonaparte’s Gull was reported again, to drive to Den Helder. The next morning, the Bonaparte’s Gull was reported early, so we drove to Den Helder. Upon arrival, the bird was still there, and of course, it also counted for the year list.

The year list now stood at 270 species. The month list had grown by 2 species to 325.

October

The Bonaparte’s Gull was fairly steady in the harbour of Den Helder and often flew back and forth behind the ferry to Texel. On 30 September, a Little Crake was reported near Den Oever. The sighting came with a photo, so there was no doubt. Plenty of reasons to go to the tip of North Holland on 1 October. In the early morning twilight, we were at the location of the Little Crake. The bird was quickly found, but it was still too dark for a photo. We decided to wait, but the Little Crake did not come out of the reeds again. We then drove to the harbour of Den Helder for the Bonaparte’s Gull. This one was not so easy. I thought I had found the Bonaparte's Gull, but it turned out to be a Little Gull. Around half past three, I saw the Bonaparte’s Gull flying alone from the sea into the harbour. Fortunately, this month’s species was also in the bag. We went searching again for the Little Crake, but it did not show itself again.

Meanwhile, the Western Swamphen had flown to another location due to mowing activities. It turned out to be a tricky spot, so we decided to wait. When it was seen early in the morning at the old location on October 3, we immediately decided to drive there. When we arrived, it was indeed still there. It counted for the month list. A present Spotted Crake was eagerly added to the year list.

On 4 October, we had the first autumn storm, but unfortunately not with a northwesterly wind. We decided to drive to the Maasvlakte, which also produces good results with more westerly winds. The counts were a bit disappointing, but we still managed to add Sooty Shearwater, Common Guillemot, Northern Gannet, Parasitic Jaeger and Great Skua to the year list.

The next day, the wind was more northwesterly, so we were at Westkapelle. The year list was supplemented with species such as Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Jeager, Black-legged Kittiwake, Leach’s Storm-petrel, and Manx Shearwater.

On October 7, the Spectacled Eider was rediscovered on Texel. The bird had not been seen since mid-June. It was now reported almost daily, and we decided not to go yet and to look for the bird during the Dutch Birding Texel autumn weekend.

On October 9, we had to go out again for the month list. At Ouddorp, we managed to find a tricky Pacific Golden Plover, which took quite some effort to distinguish from the regular European Golden Plovers. Near Dordrecht, an Eurasian Reed Warbler was quickly found, the bird counted for the month list.

On October 14, a loudly calling Richard’s Pipit flew over the migration site, which still counted for the year list.

On October 17, we drove to Texel for the Dutch Birding autumn weekend. The first target species was the Spectacled Eider, which was found almost immediately. During the crossing, we also saw the Bonaparte's Gull, which was still present. A Red-necked Phalarope and a Little Bunting were also added to the year list.

The next day, together with Garry Bakker, we were at pole 28, watching migrating birds. There were reasonable numbers of thrushes, but the rarities were missing. Via the app group, reports came in of large groups of Blue Tits flying south of us. At that moment, we hadn’t seen any Blue Tits yet. Around half past ten, I saw the first group of Blue Tits flying high overhead. After that, it was a continuous stream of Blue Tits. We eventually counted 22,344. We probably would have counted even more if, around half past twelve, a Gyrfalcon had not been reported at the southern tip of Texel, flying north. We decided to wait at pole 28, but the Gyrfalcon was later found on the ground at the Slufter. We stopped counting Blue Tits and drove to a better location to spot the bird. While we were there, the Gyrfalcon was reported with a prey along the Oorsprongweg. We drove there immediately and were not the only ones. I parked the car and quickly found the bird on a field with a freshly caught Wood Pigeon. Photos and a video could be made. Happy with the sighting, which also counted for the month list, we drove on to a reported Red Phalarope, another year species. We had to continue to a Pallas’s Leaf Warbler. On the way, Blue Tits flew past the car like mosquitoes. We had to search for the Pallas’s, but it could also be added to the year list.

The next day, we searched at first light for a Olive-backed Pipit that had been found the day before. We managed to find the bird, but it was a very brief sighting. We decided to return later in the afternoon. We searched for a Yellow-browed Warbler, which we did not find. We did see the Gyrfalcon again in the Slufter, where a Steppe Grey Shrike had also been found. Unfortunately, we were just too late to see it. Fortunately, we had already seen a few in the Netherlands. Later that afternoon, we searched again for the Olive-backed Pipit. The local bird was not found again, but I did see a flying bird for which I managed to make a nice sound recording, which I was very pleased with.

The weekend was over, and the Gyrfalcon turned out to be the best species of the weekend. On behalf of Dutch Birding, I presented the prize to the discoverer, Ezra IJzelenberg.

We stayed another night, and the next day we searched hard for a Yellow-browed Warbler. They were difficult this year, but we still managed to find two. On the ferry back to Texel, we again saw the Bonaparte's Gull, which was now in the harbour of Texel. It had been an extremely successful Dutch Birding autumn weekend with the best species ever.

On October 26, we drove to Westkapelle because Little Auks were being reported. I had never seen this species in October before. We arrived around noon, and although we counted until dark, no Little Auks were seen. We were able to add a Short-eared Owl and a Razorbill to the year list.

On October 28, we drove to the Maasvlakte for a Sabine’s Gull that had been present for a few days. Upon arrival, the bird was close by, and nice photos and a video could be made. The Sabine’s Gull also counted for the year list. After this, we drove to the migration site. No one else was there, but we decided to look out over the sea anyway. This was not a bad decision, as we found two Little Auks. The Little Auk still counted for my month list; Maartje had seen it before.

October ended with 295 species for the year list. Good progress was made for the month list, and I managed to score no less than eight new species. The October list now stands at 353 species

November

The weather forecast for November 1 was not good, and a heavy rain front passed over the Netherlands. By midday, there were clearings, and we left Uden around 11 o’clock for Zevenhuizen. The Western Swamphen was still present and counted for the month list. Despite the gloomy weather and strong wind, the bird was quickly found. We then drove to Friesland, where a juvenile Woodchat Shrike had been seen for some time at Zwagermieden. The bird had already been reported in the morning, and this was now a first November record for the Netherlands. When we were nearby, Henk Schut told us he had the bird. When we arrived, Henk pointed out the bird to us. The Woodchat Shrike was very tame, and nice photos could be taken. The next day, we wanted to go to Texel for the Bonaparte’s Gull and the Spectacled Eider. Zwagermieden was close to my aunt, and we asked if we could stay overnight. That was no problem and that saved us a trip back to Uden.

The next day, we said goodbye to my aunt early in the morning and drove to Den Helder for the ferry to Texel. From the ferry, we saw the Bonaparte’s Gull flying in the harbour of Den Helder as we departed. The Spectacled Eider was also cooperative and sat under the dike on the rocks. I had never seen it so close, and nice photos and a video were made. The bird was still in eclipse plumage, but that did not spoil the fun. On the way back, we saw the Bonaparte’s Gull again from the ferry, now in the harbour of Texel.

On November 6, I started counting early in the morning at the Brobbelbies. The Wood Pigeons were flying very well, and by 1 o’clock, we had counted 68,420. We also saw 43 Common Cranes and several groups of Blue Tits. Because not much else was flying, I decided to stop at 1 o’clock. Later, once home, reports came in of large groups of Common Cranes flying towards Nijmegen. I drove back to the migration site, and upon arrival, I immediately saw the first group of about 190 Common Cranes fly by. I kept counting until dark and managed to count a total of 613 Common Cranes, which was a new day record for the migration site.

On November 7, a Snow Bunting was discovered at the migration site. A mega species for the region, which I had seen before at the site. For Maartje, however, this was a new one, and the Snow Bunting also counted for her Brabant list.

We still had to work hard to ensure we reached 300 species for the year list, which now stood at 296. Because waarneming.nl had switched to the IOC taxonomy list, we had four fewer species there. It was important to build a buffer to also exceed 300 species on that list. On November 9, we went out for several year species. Early in the morning, we were at the Markiezaat for a Black-winged Kite, which we found fairly quickly. At the Maasvlakte, an Eastern Subalpine Warbler was seen (DNA still has to show whether it is not a western one, but both still count), which counted for both the year and month list. Then we drove to the Nieuwe Driemanspolder, where a Dusky Warbler was noted. Next, we drove to the Flevopolder for a Lesser Yellowlegs, which was also found after a walk to a bird hide. There was also a Red Phalarope, which still counted for my Flevoland list. The Lesser Yellowlegs was the 300th species of the year. On the way back to Uden, we searched in vain for a Rough-legged Buzzard. Four new year species in one day, that was going well.

At the Brobbelbies, the migration season was now really over, and not many birds were counted. On November 16, we drove to the North Holland Dune Reserve for two reported Eurasian Crag Martins. We had to walk a long way and search for a long time, but eventually, we saw both birds. On the way back, a Glaucous Gull was ticked at Velsen, which also counted for the year list.

On November 26, we went to Texel again. This time for a Temminck’s Stint, which still counted for the month list. The bird was seen at various locations, and we had to search hard, but eventually, we found it at De Bol.

On November 28, we drove to Amersfoort for a Bohemian Waxwing. This species was also difficult to find, and it was Maartje who found the bird in a firebreak. We then drove to the province of Flevoland for a Bufflehead. The bird was in the Pampushaven among thousands of Tufted Ducks. It took half an hour before I found the bird. The next target species was a Rough-legged Buzzard at the Praambult. This was not found, but there was still one in the Eemspolder. So, we drove to the Eemspolder, where after a long search, the Rough-legged Buzzard was finally found at a distance. With the Rough-legged Buzzard, the waarneming.nl list also reached 300 species.

The last species of November was a Desert Wheatear, which showed itself beautifully at the Coepelduyn near Katwijk. We ended the month with 308 species for the year list. The month list also did very well. I could add six new species, bringing the November list to 310 species.

December

On December 1, we were back on Texel for the month list. The Temminck’s Stint and the Spectacled Eider were both still present and were found fairly easily. The Spectacled Eider was again under the dike on the rocks and could be observed beautifully. Later that day, a report came in of a real Rock Bunting in Maastricht. The sighting came with a photo.

The next day, we were already in the dark at the reported location. We were not alone, and together with a group of about 60 birders, we searched for the Rock Bunting. However, it was no longer present. As a consolation prize, an Eurasian Bittern was noted for the Limburg list. Around noon, we gave up and drove to Doenrade for a Corn Bunting. Here, there was a group of about 30 Corn Buntings. We eventually found four. The Corn Bunting still counted for the year list.

On December 6, a Yellow-browed Warbler was reported at the Hofmans Plassen in the Maashorst. A nice regional species that we definitely had to go for, although we had already seen it in the region. While searching, I thought I heard a Pallas’s Leaf Warbler. The bird called only once, so I thought it was probably a distorted call from one of the many Long-tailed Tits. The Yellow-browed Warbler was found but was hard to observe. The next day, one of the local birders took a photo, and when uploading, ObsIdentify indicated it was a Pallas’s. She shared the photo in the local app group, and it was indeed a Pallas’s Leaf Warbler. So, we immediately went to the Hofmans Plassen and found the Pallas’s Leaf Warbler there. A mega species for our region and only the fifth ever for the province of Brabant. A second Yellow-browed Warbler was also found.

On December 13, just before noon, we were startled by a DBAlerts from Texel with the sighting of a Black-faced Bunting. There seemed to be an influx of this species, but so far, this had been limited to ring captures and a single sighting from a migration site with evidence. This Black-faced Bunting seemed twitchable, so within minutes, we were in the car on our way to Texel. Unfortunately, we missed the half-past-twelve boat and had to wait almost an hour for the next boat. Meanwhile, the Black-faced Bunting was no longer seen on Texel. Once across, we joined the large group of birders already present. At that moment, the Black-faced Bunting had only been seen by locals and one lucky person who arrived at the right time on Texel. We stayed until dark, which only yielded a Siberian Chiffchaff, which still counted for the year list. There was no sign of the Black-faced Bunting. We decided to stay on Texel and try our luck early in the morning.

The next morning, we were already at the spot in the dark, and we were the first. As time passed, the group of birders grew, but it did not get really busy. I think most rightly thought the bird was gone. The search began, and as time passed, it really seemed the Black-faced Bunting was gone. We decided to leave the island at noon. Around a quarter past ten, an interesting call was heard, and someone thought they saw the Black-faced Bunting in the garden where it had been found yesterday. Nervously, people looked in the garden to see if the bird was visible, when it suddenly flew up and across the road. Here, it could be beautifully observed not much later. We were extremely happy with this species and considered ourselves lucky to have stayed on Texel.

At the end of December, the annual count stood at 309 species. The December list increased by 3 species to 282 species.

Summary

Looking back at 2025, I have to conclude that it was an excellent year once again. The spring counts at the Hofmans Plassen were truly surprisingly good, and I spent a lot of time there that I would otherwise have devoted to year species. Because of this, it became exciting at the end of the year to reach 300 species. Fortunately, I managed to do so. This is the 20th consecutive year that I have reached 300 species. The month list also went very well. For the Dutch list, we added 4 new species, which is absolutely not bad. No foreign trip this year, but in 2026 we are going to Suriname, the trip is already booked. Due to all the lumping the world list has dropped by 1 species. Here follows an overview of the lists we keep.