Sichler als Irrgast

Wir fahren über die sattgründe Insel, durch das kleine Dorf Ponta Delgada und hinter einer Straßenbiegung bemerken wir sofort einen dunklen, schlanken Vogel mit einem langen Schnabel, der in einem Graben stand, der von einem Wasserloch für Rinder gebildet wurde. Ohne Zweifel: ein Sichler (Plegadis falcinellus). Widerwillig beginnt der Vogel zu fliegen. Mit deutlichen Rufen… Continue reading Sichler als Irrgast

Whimbrel in Ponta Delgada Port on São Miguel

Ponta Delgada Port on São Miguel, the biggest island of the Azores, is a busy place. This is true also in terms of foreign tourists and local visitors. Beautiful is the view from the pier from one of the sidewalk cafes. On first sight, it is a surprise that a wader comes very close even… Continue reading Whimbrel in Ponta Delgada Port on São Miguel

Waldschepfe auf Flores/ Azoren

Unerwartet war ich schon ganz am Anfang der Reise nach Flores auf einer einsamen Straße mit einer im feuchten Gras stehenden Waldschnepfe (Scolopax rusticola) erfolgreich gewesen. Wenige Tage später sollte ich wieder bei dieser, bei den einheimischen Jägern sehr beliebten Jagdbeute, erfolgreich sein. Auf dem Rückweg von den auf dem zentralen Plateau liegenden Vulkankrater, den… Continue reading Waldschepfe auf Flores/ Azoren

Goldcrest, bathing under waterfall on Flores

Walking a steep trail in search of North-American vagrants under the high cliffs near the little village of Ponta da Fajã on the west coast of Flores eventually I came to a waterfall right beside the hiking trail. I took a rest and was surprised to notice some movement close to the constant shower of… Continue reading Goldcrest, bathing under waterfall on Flores

Little Egret at Ponta Delgada, Flores

A white bird standing calm near the sea. It is the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). A small heron. As you would expect from a heron, this bird is beautiful, graceful and shows long legs, neck and beak. A solitary and patient fisherman, the bird is waiting for low tide to make ambushes in still waters… Continue reading Little Egret at Ponta Delgada, Flores

Snow Bunting, a migrating passerine on Flores/ Azores

The Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is one of the few migratory passerines to be found on a regular basis to visit the Azores archipelago in general and Flores in particular. Maybe only the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) of the subspecies leucorhoa, the Greenland Wheatear is recorded as often on Flores, the westernmost island of the… Continue reading Snow Bunting, a migrating passerine on Flores/ Azores

Common Moorhen at Ribeira do Ferreiro/ Fajã Grande

The general area of Fajã Grande has a great potential for Birdwatching. Die different habitats include lagoons, streams, woods, coastal areas, small pastures, agricultural fields and 1 little lake. This is a place of magnificent beauty. Take the parking spot on the road between 2 bridges and walk from the main road up to the… Continue reading Common Moorhen at Ribeira do Ferreiro/ Fajã Grande

Vagrant Glossy Ibis on Flores

In the north of the island of Flores, there are some excellent birding locations. Basically these sites are between the village Ponta Delgada to the east and the lighthouse on the edge of Ponta do Albernaz on the west. The lighthouse at Ponta do Albernaz is the most powerful lighthouse of the Azores. The view… Continue reading Vagrant Glossy Ibis on Flores

Woodcocks on Flores

Due to its stealthy habits the Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is one of the least observed regular birds in Europe. Essentially active at twilight and at night the Woodcock is the least known birds among the islands of the Azores as well. It is, however, one of the most unique species of the Azorean avifauna. The… Continue reading Woodcocks on Flores