Texel is very popular with birdwatchers. Some days, a birdwatcher can see over a hundred different species of bird. De Muy, a dune area between De Koog and De Slufter is a protected area; the breeding ground of the oldest colony of spoonbills in the Netherlands. Other unusual species on Texel are the little tern and the short-eared owl. Silver gulls come here in large numbers. Because of its isolated location, there are not that many animals on the island. Even so, there are stoats, brown rats, 5 species of mouse, rabbits, hares, small amphibians such as frogs (common frog and moor frog), natterjack toads and water salamanders. The whole dune area of Texel, from de Hors to the lighthouse belongs to the Duinen van Texel National Park.
The adjacent nature area of De Slufter where the North Sea reigns supreme, is unique. You are at one with nature if you walk around here. De Slufter is an ideal spot for many birds (and birdwatchers!) but the vegetation also makes the area fascinating. The influence of the salt water which regularly penetrates the area means there is a lot of sea lavender. This plant means that the plain is largely lilac in colour during the months of July and August. Spoonbills and grey herons are regularly seen in and around the dune lake of De Muy. Various other species occur in the rest of the area. Wheelchair access is available at De Slufter.
