Snow Bunting - Sneeuwgors

Snow Bunting

Sneeuwgors

Plectrophenax nivalis

Pictures: Teus Luijendijk

22 May 2004, Hoornse Slag, Texel NH
17 November 2005, Katwijk aan Zee ZH

22 May 2004, Hoornse Slag, Texel NH

A first for me in The Netherlands: summer-plumaged birds are extremely rare in our country. The report of a bird present at this spot (close to where a Blue-winged Teal Anas discors was residing) made me quite eager to take the ferry and look for this bird. The reward was great, as you can see from the stills I made:



Snow Bunting - Sneeuwgors Plectrophenax nivalis male in summer plumage; videograbs (100x). Hoornse Slag, Texel NH, The Netherlands, 22 May 2004.

17 November 2005, Katwijk aan Zee ZH

The usual plumage this species is observed in The Netherlands is shown here. Wintering birds are regularly found in Katwijk aan Zee, where they often forage near the river outlet. These birds were taking shelter more inland, from the gale force winds that swept along the coast one November day.



Snow Bunting - Sneeuwgors Plectrophenax nivalis male in winter plumage; videograbs (20x). Katwijk aan Zee ZH, The Netherlands, 17 November 2005.