Wadden Bird Festival/Texel Big Day

Join us for a weekend of birdwatching bliss in the stunning Wadden area! From Friday 10th May and all day on the 11th and 12th of May, Texel comes alive with the vibrant colors and melodious songs of our fabulous, feathered friends during the Wadden Bird Festival.

This big bird event has many activities designed for both seasoned birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Explore the Birdfair, a marketplace tailored for birdwatchers, where you can discover the latest gear, books, and gadgets to enhance your birding experience.

For those with a competitive spirit and a heart for charity, participate in the Texel Big Day, a thrilling 24-hour bird counting marathon aimed at raising funds for the protection of coastal breeding birds such as terns, oystercatchers, and ringed plovers.

Embark on Birding excursions led by knowledgeable guides, specially curated to showcase the diverse avian inhabitants of Texel. Learn about their habitats, behaviors, and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving their natural environment.

Throughout the weekend, dedicated volunteer bird watchers stationed across the island eagerly await to share their passion and insights, enriching your birding experience with fascinating anecdotes and insider knowledge.

The full programme can be found here:  Program Wadden Bird Festival / Texel Big Day 2024 » Wadden Bird Festival (waddenvogelfestival.nl)

The fun is not only on Texel - but there are also numerous birding excursions at other locations in the Wadden Sea during that weekend. In several places, special attention is paid to coastal breeding birds, such as terns, plovers and oystercatchers. These species have a hard time breeding in peace.

For example, Schiermonnikoog is hosting a family friendly scavenger hunt Wereldtrekvogeldag - Vogelspeurtocht voor gezinnen | Natuurmonumenten as well as Migratory bird walk Migratory bird walk on Schiermonnikoog | Natural Monuments (natuurmonumenten.nl)

and in Lauwersmeer there is a birdwatching excursion Vogels van het Lauwersmeer - Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer (np-lauwersmeer.nl)