Hiking and birding in Stelvio National Park in the Alps

BartgeierA meeting of nature enthusiasts at dawn. In the heart of the majestic Alps, where rugged peaks rise into the sky and untouched landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the enchanting Stelvio National Park. Nestled in this breathtaking expanse lies the Stelvio Pass, a mountainous wonderland that attracts both adventurers and nature lovers. For avid bird watchers, Stelvio National Park is a paradise full of bird wonders waiting to be discovered.

After some time climbing, the bird watchers reach a pristine alpine lake nestled between rugged cliffs. Here they meet the otherwise difficult to observe Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria), a master of camouflage that effortlessly blends into the rocky surroundings. Its crimson wings and intricate wing pattern look like a living work of art against the weathered stone. A sight that leaves viewers in awe of nature’s creativity. But other typical inhabitants of alpine landscapes such as the Eurasian Crag-Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), the Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), the Eurasian Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) and the White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) can also be seen.

The group continues on and their journey takes them across a high meadow interspersed with bright wildflowers in a blocky field. Among the flowers they spotted the enchanting White-winged Snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis), whose white and gray plumage provides the perfect camouflage amidst the remaining patches of snow. His delicate vocals add a whimsical touch to the already magical atmosphere.

As the day progresses, bird watchers are amazed at the diversity of bird life that lives in the Stelvio National Park. From the majestic Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) soaring overhead to the nimble Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) foraging in the alpine vegetation, each sighting is a testament to the resilience of life in this alpine protected area. As the first light of dawn paints the sky in shades of pink and orange, a small group of intrepid bird watchers gathered at the entrance to Stelvio National Park. Now, at midday, they are on their way to the heart of the Stelvio – armed with binoculars, cameras and a shared passion for bird life.

Given the considerable size of the park and its extent from around 650 m to almost 4.000 m above sea level (asl), an excellent variety of alpine plant species find suitable conditions here. The vegetation in the park is of course divided according to the altitude. At lower altitudes there is still a significant proportion of hardwood in the forests, while at higher altitudes conifers, including ornamental pine and larch, dominate. Mountain pines, rhododendrons, junipers, blueberries and alders predominate in the shrub and perennial areas. In the higher, forest-free areas you can find flower-rich pastures. What applies to plants also applies, with minor restrictions, to the animal world. The four large mammal predators are no longer found. But the bird world is very diverse. More than 130 bird species breed in the area, including Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca), Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix), Eurasian Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus),

Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia) and Rock Ptarmigan, as well as the Golden Eagle, the symbolic animal of the national park. A special success story can be told about the Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). It has now settled permanently from the neighboring Engadin National Park. Fortunately, the releases that began there around ten years ago proved to be quite successful. In 1998, the first out-of-captivity-breeding in the Eastern Alps for more than 100 years was observed on the Stelvio Pass. In recent years, the birds have managed to raise young on several occasions in strictly guarded nesting places and in inaccessible rock faces.

As the sun began to set behind the high peaks, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, the bird watchers gathered again. A satisfied smile graced their faces, a reflection of the day’s discoveries and the shared joy of communion with nature in this remote corner of the Alps. With hearts full of gratitude, they say goodbye to the Stelvio National Park and carry with them memories of a day full of bird magic and the untamed beauty of the Alpine wilderness.

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.

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