A meeting of nature enthusiasts at dawn. In the heart of the majestic Alps, where rugged peaks rise into the sky and untouched landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the enchanting Stelvio National Park. Nestled in this breathtaking expanse lies the Stelvio Pass, a mountainous wonderland that attracts both adventurers and… Continue reading Hiking and birding in Stelvio National Park in the Alps
Category: Birds of Western Palaearctic
Bird photography in your own garden: use of a camouflage tent
At the beginning of last winter, I watched with interest the hustle and bustle around the bird table in our garden during breakfast. It was a beautiful morning with sunshine. A Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) kept coming to the bird feeder because he thought he would find sunflower seeds there. A little later, a… Continue reading Bird photography in your own garden: use of a camouflage tent
Pygmy Owl in CHKO Kokorin in Czech Republic
It is foggy and windless in the Kokorin Valley. The area is named after Kokorin Castle, which towers over the valley of the same name. Already at the southern end of the long valley there are impressive sandstone formations that are so typical of this area. The numerous pine trees give the wildly romantic landscape… Continue reading Pygmy Owl in CHKO Kokorin in Czech Republic
A Winter Visitor: Western Cattle Egret in Brandenburg
It’s not every day that you come across a Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) in the heart of Brandenburg, especially during winter. On a crisp afternoon, around 1:00 PM, this striking white bird was spotted on the edge of a village, fearlessly searching for food among a flock of sheep. Unlike other migratory species, this… Continue reading A Winter Visitor: Western Cattle Egret in Brandenburg
A Rare Sight: Observing a Spotted Sandpiper at Caputher Gemünde – Potsdam
Birdwatching often rewards patience with fascinating glimpses of avian behavior. On behalf of a bird call on Ornitho.de I rushed to Caputher Gemünde at the outflow of the Schwielowsee. With many observers already waiting, I encountered a vagrant Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius), a species typically found in the Americas. Its unique foraging habits and adaptability… Continue reading A Rare Sight: Observing a Spotted Sandpiper at Caputher Gemünde – Potsdam
Eurasian Pygmy-Owl in Saxon Switzerland National Park south of Dresden
As the sun sinks behind the horizon and casts long shadows across the forest floor, the kingdom of owls in the “Saxon Switzerland” National Park should be visited. In the mysterious hours between dusk and dawn they come to life. With every step the forest shines into the observer to envelop a symphony of rustling… Continue reading Eurasian Pygmy-Owl in Saxon Switzerland National Park south of Dresden
Common snipes on fall migration in Brandenburg
As soon as I arrived at the wetland at dawn, 6 Common Snipes (Gallinago gallinago) suddenly flew up. It takes about half an hour until the first one flies in fluttering and then stands quietly, relying on the camouflage of its plumage, between dead grass and willow branches. A little later the next Common Snipe… Continue reading Common snipes on fall migration in Brandenburg
The Taxonomic Split of Cory’s Shearwater: What It Means for Your Bird Life List
Birdwatching is an endlessly rewarding hobby, especially when you manage to tick off a new species on your Life List. But what happens when one species becomes two? That’s exactly what happened with Cory’s Shearwater, a bird many of us have enjoyed spotting over the open ocean. Recently, a significant taxonomic split occurred, dividing Cory’s… Continue reading The Taxonomic Split of Cory’s Shearwater: What It Means for Your Bird Life List
An immature Pallid Harrier in the Niederer Fläming
On sunday, 13th of October, I had the unique opportunity to observe an immature Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) in the Niederer Fläming region of Brandenburg, a truly exciting find for any birdwatcher. With its distinct features and behavior, this raptor should be unmistakable in good observation conditions. But identifying immature and femlae individuals can be… Continue reading An immature Pallid Harrier in the Niederer Fläming
A putative Hybrid Herring x Caspian Gull at Lake Gülpe in Brandenburg: A Detailed Observation
It was already evening at the outlet of the Gülper See into the Havel. The air was filled with the calls of migrating water birds. A white-headed gull sat on a boat bollard. In addition to the familiar sight of swans and ducks, this gull caught my attention. The first thing I noticed were its… Continue reading A putative Hybrid Herring x Caspian Gull at Lake Gülpe in Brandenburg: A Detailed Observation
A Pair of Red-breasted Mergansers passing the cliffs of Kilcummin Head
Standing on the windswept cliffs on the rugged coastline of northwestern Ireland, I gaze out over the open water, scanning the horizon for signs of life. Standing on Kilcummin Head, called Benwee Head also, I watch long chains of shearwaters skimmed the surface of the ocean, riding the wind effortlessly. Among the species present, the… Continue reading A Pair of Red-breasted Mergansers passing the cliffs of Kilcummin Head
Dance of Dolphins and Seabirds
This time the off-shore waters of the west coast of Ireland with Blacksod Sea Safari is going on. On the trip to the Atlantic we pass the island of Inishkea. Eventually we are surrounded by the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.In the distance, I spot the distinctive white wings of Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) diving… Continue reading Dance of Dolphins and Seabirds