There are only remnants of the former alluvial forest belt along the Rhine between Bonn and Düsseldorf. Thick clouds stand over the Rhine near Cologne-Porz. A humid temperature, as it is not unusual for the Cologne Bay in summer. Reluctantly at first: drizzle. Then a rain shower pelts the relics of an alluvial forest in Porz-Zündorf, south of Cologne. A family of Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) were already noticed, among the other water birds like Llittle Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) and above all Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). The adult Eurasian Coot raised at least 3 young already. The young look well-fed, but are still a bit whimpering and continue to beg their parents. The most independent young ventures further out into the lake area. It climbs on a floating piece of wood and from there tries to take in food from the surface of the water. When the rain falls, it looks irritated at first. When the rain increases in intensity and thick raindrops make the water “boil”, it can no longer contain itself. It stands up, taps up with its disproportionately large webbed feet and then even lifts its wings and flaps them up and down again and again. An enthusiastic dance for the rain!
There are only remnants of the former alluvial forest belt along the Rhine between Bonn and Düsseldorf. Above all, the old arms are only present in meager remnants. The former arm of the Rhine – the Groov – forms an extensive Rhine meadow landscape, characterized by trees, some of which are centuries old. Originally the Groov was an island in the river, but was connected to the bank in 1849. The Groov in the Porz-Zündorf district is a remarkably beautiful piece of nature with sweeping sandy beaches and old trees and a total of 3 delimited bodies of water, including a double lake in the southern part. Both of which are dammed. Only the (northern) marina has the actual level of the river. If you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of Cologne city center, you shouldn’t be afraid to take the trip to one of the most remote corners of the city.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic . The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online