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
Tag: Mountain Ash
Newly fledged Red-backed Shrike in Spruce
High, soft but intense calls sound from an old clearcut that is now reforesting itself with European Spruce (Picea abies). Between emerging Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Rowan (Sorbus aucupariaeinem), I walk up a slope on a carpet of Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and follow the calls. Right next to a hunter’s perch amidst man-sized spruce trees,… Continue reading Newly fledged Red-backed Shrike in Spruce
Thrushes feeding on fruits in winter
A beautiful Redwing (Turdus iliacus) roam on the lichen-covered branches of the Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) to enjoy the red berries in thick fog. A bush of the European Holly (Ilex aquifolium) – also simply called Ilex – in the back of my front yard has been glowing full of red fruits since autumn, too. But… Continue reading Thrushes feeding on fruits in winter
Photography without disturbing: the Red-backed Shrike in Germany
In June, the females of the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) are still sitting on their eggs. But towards the end of the month, they should start feeding the young birds. Then the nature photographer is already very excited. Over time, you get to know the pairs in an area quite well. One, of the total… Continue reading Photography without disturbing: the Red-backed Shrike in Germany
Common Redstart on top of a nesting box
So far, the spring retreat for the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) was the forest behind the farming house. His choppy vocals had been heard over and over again. A male Common Redstart had obviously been able to warm up for an old nesting box on the edge of the forest in May. In the beginning… Continue reading Common Redstart on top of a nesting box