Weer een succesvol broedgeval van de Wespendief Pernis apivorus op Schouwen

The first successful breeding of European Honey-buzzards in the province of Zeeland in the southwestern Netherlands was recorded in 1997 on the island of Schouwen. In 2006, a second attempt was observed. The nest was built in an oak Quercus robur (17 m) in the dunes of Schouwen. The first egg was presumably laid on 28 May (first day that female was seen incubating); both chicks fledged in late August, and were still present on 10 September. Prey items transported to the nest included wasp combs (10), a Woodpigeon Columba palumbus squab, 1 nestling Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, 1 Edible Frog Rana esculenta, 1 small passerine ( Anthus pratensis ?) and 2 small unidentified vertebrate preys. Vertebrate prey items were completely devoured, including legs of birds. On 19 July, when local temperatures rose to 34°C (even higher in the dunes), a female Honey-buzzard was observed preening and drinking at a small stream. July was exceedingly sunny, very hot and extremely dry (warmest month since 1706).