Wagejot - Oosterend

Wagejot is a striking nature reserve on the eastern side of Texel, near Oosterend. It was created in the late 1970s when the dike was reinforced and relocated. A wet depression remained between the old and new dike, which filled with water and turned into a marshy area with shallow pools. What started as an accidental change in the landscape quickly became a paradise for birds.

In spring and summer, countless birds nest on the bare islets and shorelines. Avocets, ringed plovers, common terns and oystercatchers build their nests here. If you look closely, you can see the chicks taking their first steps in spring. During migration and in winter, other species arrive, such as dunlins, grey plovers and teal.

Because Wagejot is so rich in food, the area changes with the seasons. At high tide on the Wadden Sea, birds come here to rest and feed. At low tide, they return to the mudflats en masse. That means there’s birdlife here all year round, from busy colonies in summer to quiet winter flocks.

The area itself is not accessible, allowing birds to breed and forage undisturbed. But from the dike or nearby parking spots, you get a beautiful view and surprisingly close encounters with the birds. Don’t forget your binoculars, they complete the experience.