Azores: birding in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

The Azores are well-known among ornithologists mainly for the fact that many American bird species occur, mainly in fall. Although this group of islands is part of the Western Palearctic (even Europe) on some islands, more Nearctic than Palearctic species have been found. In addition, several endemic taxa breed on the archipelago. The island group… Continue reading Azores: birding in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Remarks to wintering Solitary Sandpipers (Tringa solitaria) in the Pantanal

During scientific research in the northern Pantanal between the 20th of December 2012 and the 10th of January 2013 I often observe Solitary Sandpipers along the muddy ditches on a farm. Of the two subspecies of the solitary sandpiper recognized the subspecies present probably was Tringa solitaria solitaria which usually has a more well-defined streak… Continue reading Remarks to wintering Solitary Sandpipers (Tringa solitaria) in the Pantanal

Prärieläufer (Bartramia longicauda) an der Ostküste der USA

Der Prärieläufer (Bartramia longicauda) wird ja nur gelegentlich in der Westpläarktis beobachtet worden. Wenn es richtig recherchiert ist, strandet diese Limikole am ehesten auf Inseln im Atlantik, wie auf St. Mary’s auf den Scilly-Inseln oder zuletzt Mitte September 2013 auf Fair Isle, was zu den Shetland-Inseln gehört. Es gibt auch eine Meldung von der baskischen… Continue reading Prärieläufer (Bartramia longicauda) an der Ostküste der USA

Sandhill Cranes in Bosque Del Apache NWR at Sunset

Every evening a very special spectacle occurs in this beautiful Wildlife Refuge in the south of New Mexico. Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) arrive at the “crane pools” at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge each evening. Having spent the day feeding in nearby corn fields, they will overnight standing in the shallow pools of… Continue reading Sandhill Cranes in Bosque Del Apache NWR at Sunset

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) on Laguna Alalay – Bolivia

Early morning, 5:30 am. Haze over the water and I am watching through my camouflage tent here on the edge of Laguna Alalay on 2,600 m (asl). Waders are my main interest. At 4:30 am I got up already. The starry sky promised a nice day. In fact, at 5:00 am I pitched my tent… Continue reading Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) on Laguna Alalay – Bolivia

Bird migration and regional circulation in the Pantanal

Whereas long-distance bird migration for aquatic bird species is roughly understood there are other movements of birds between especially the lower Paraná River valley wetlands in Argentina, and the south Brazil/Pantanal wetlands which are far from clear. Besides the fact, that the global patterns of Summer/ Winter north and south of the equator determines the… Continue reading Bird migration and regional circulation in the Pantanal