Spanish Sparrow - Passer hispaniolensis

Sunday 4 May 1997 this male Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis was discovered in the garden of the Texel Bird Observatory at De Cocksdorp on the Isle of Texel by Ben Gaxiola (from the window) in the evening at around 8.00 hours PM. Next day the several hundred birders were present to have regular good views of this second new species for the Netherlands in 1997. Also present was a Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala at Den Helder (the place from where the ferry to Texel departs). The Sparrow was present till at least May 15th, the Bunting stayed at least till May 22nd (cf Dutch Birding 19 (2): 86 and 96, 1997, & Birding World 10 (5): 176, 1997).
5 May 1997, De Cocksdorp, Texel NH; © Arnoud van den Berg.
5 May 1997, De Cocksdorp, Texel NH; © Rob Bouwman.
This is the first record for the Netherlands and the third new species for the Netherlands in 1997!

Now you can go to the main-index, the 1997-index or the next species (but considered to be an escape), the Semipalmated Sandpiper.