A hailstorm sweeps across the countryside. Just after the thunderstorm ceased a male Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) flies particularly beautifully in front of us on the watch tower. From the observation tower it can be admired in flight at eye level with its bright blue and green wings and the brown belly. Although it is “only” a duck, the photo shows both the beauty of the bird and the dynamics of the flight as well as the environment in which birds have to prove themselves every day. While many waders and water birds used to stand stoically by the lake before the thunderstorm, the masses of birds that now meet in early spring started to move. First the Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) flew up in a dense flock. The hailstorm was too violent and heavy. But they can’t find refuge anywhere and so they come back down to the same place a little later. Common Snipes (Gallinago gallinago) seek shelter in the reeds. Ducks keep flying from one pond to another
Not only Northern Shoveler, Lapwing and Common Snipe, but also many other good birds, such as White Wagtail (Motacilla alba), Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus) and Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) are found in the wet lowlands of the Peene Valley. The beautiful area can be found in eastern Western Pomerania. The area was abandoned as part of the major nature conservation project “Peenetal / Peene-Haff-Moor” and the areas were permanently flooded.
From the observation tower near the Aalbude and the two observation platforms located on the dam to the Aalbude, you have a wide view over this extensive water landscape. Birds can be observed at any time of the year: many shoveler ducks swim in the shallow water and waders inspect the mud for food.
The car park at the exit from Kützerhof towards Aalbude is a good starting point for a hike into the area.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic . The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.