We are on a pelagic trip, this is a seabird watching tour. This time a stretch of water off-shore the west coast of Ireland with Blacksod Sea Safari is approached. On the trip to the Atlantic we pass the island of Inishkea. Eventually we are surrounded by the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. The sun… Continue reading Flight Dynamics of Northern Atlantic Shearwaters: A Comparative Insight
Category: Birds of Western Palaearctic
Exploring the Pelagic Birds of the Atlantic: A Glimpse at Leach’s Storm-Petrel
We are on a seabird watching tour west of Ireland with Blacksod Sea Safari. On the trip to the Atlantic we pass the island of Inishkea, which my skipper, Toby, highly recommends to me because of the many breeding birds – probably also Storm Petrels – in summer. But I’m not in the mood for… Continue reading Exploring the Pelagic Birds of the Atlantic: A Glimpse at Leach’s Storm-Petrel
Young Barn Swallow begging for food on a wire
On a warm summer evening, as the sun began to dip below the horizon on the southern shore of Gülper See (Lake Guelpe) young Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) perched precariously on a rusty wire, its tiny wings quivering with anticipation. The scene was alive with the twittering of swallows, but the juveniles all had a… Continue reading Young Barn Swallow begging for food on a wire
A Stonechat’s Guard: The Fierce Defense of Territory
As the sun rises, casting a warm glow over the brambles, a flash of color catches the eye—a male Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) perched proudly atop a blackberry bush (Rubus fruticosus). His striking black head and orange chest gleam in the morning light, but beneath his charming appearance lies the heart of a warrior. Stonechats are… Continue reading A Stonechat’s Guard: The Fierce Defense of Territory
Birdwatching at Downpatrick Head: A Seabird Spectacle in Ireland
Perched on the wild and rugged coastline of County Mayo, Downpatrick Head offers bird enthusiasts a front-row seat to one of nature’s most captivating spectacles. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of seabird colonies in summer or the dynamic migration activity in autumn, this iconic location promises a rewarding experience. During the summer months, the… Continue reading Birdwatching at Downpatrick Head: A Seabird Spectacle in Ireland
Spotted Nutcracker in the Nockberge in Austria
One afternoon we almost finished our hike through the Nockberge-mountains. In some spruce trees, we saw a family of Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). The followed us for several minutes and gave excellent views. The term “Nocke” refers to the rounded shapes of the mountains in the southern Austrian Alps, which reach up to 2,400 meters… Continue reading Spotted Nutcracker in the Nockberge in Austria
Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) on Mallorca
Spotting Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) in mid-April can be quite futile. By then, these falcons are still en route to their summer destinations in the Mediterranean, typically arriving in late April and May. Although I have never visited the island due to its popularity among tourists, a friend shared a memorable experience. During his visit,… Continue reading Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) on Mallorca
Hoopoe: a fascinating bird in human history.
In medieval Europe the Hoopoe (Upupa epops), was an evil omen, while today in Israel the Hoopoe is the national bird. Whether loved or hated, the Hoopoe is a fascinating and fascinating bird that holds a special place in human history. The Hoopoe, with its sun-like crest and distinctive plumage, has held an important place… Continue reading Hoopoe: a fascinating bird in human history.
Female House Sparrow and Tipula paludosa
One bright morning, with the sun casting a golden hue over the meadow, a female House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) perched on a iron stick. With her sharp eyes she had spotted the movement of Tipula paludosa larva beneath the soil. With a swift, practiced motion, she plucked the wriggling larva from its hiding place, securing… Continue reading Female House Sparrow and Tipula paludosa
Photographing Red-backed Shrikes in Germany
The male of the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) sits exposed on an Elderberry branch (Sambucus nigra) protruding from the hedge. For years, this small shrike has been found in the midst of a wet forest meadow landscape during the breeding season. In the North German Plain the Red-backed Shrike is still widespread, but the population… Continue reading Photographing Red-backed Shrikes in Germany
Common Snipe: Air transport in case of danger
Still completely disheveled and barely freed from the eggshell, the tiny Common Snipe chick (Gallinago gallinago) sets off to explore the surrounding area of a peat bog. With every step the little precocious bird becomes safer and braver. A little too brave, supose its mother. Because the little one steps out into the open meadow.… Continue reading Common Snipe: Air transport in case of danger
Curious Young Great Spotted Woodpecker
After hatching, young Great Spotted Woodpeckers (Dendrocopos major) are completely helpless but soon they take on a life of their own. Spring is a wonderful time for nature watchers. The forests are full of life and activity, and one of the most beautiful sights is that of a young Great Spotted Woodpecker curiously looking out… Continue reading Curious Young Great Spotted Woodpecker