As the golden hues of dawn begin to streak across the sky, a tranquil lake amidst lush vegetation awakens in the morning light. First you can hear the chattering of ducks, Gadwalls (Anas strepera), Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Shovelers (Anas clypeata) and Teals (Anas crecca). As the sun rises, the first dragonflies (Odonata sp.) are in the air.
Above the shimmering surface of the Sangweiher in the Vulkaneifel, two slim and fast Eurasian Hobbies (Falco subbuteo) begin their graceful ballet and paint loops in the sky with their flying skills. With elegant wings spanning wide, the Eurasian Hobbies glide effortlessly, their keen eyes scanning the water below. In the tranquil serenity of the morning, the lake serves as a bustling marketplace for the dragonflies, their iridescent wings shimmering in the gentle sunlight.
With sudden bursts of speed, the Hobbies dive, their flight a masterclass in precision and agility. Like arrows loosed from a bow, they plummet towards the water’s surface, executing intricate maneuvers with unmatched finesse. With swift, darting movements, they snatch the unsuspecting dragonflies from the air, their talons closing with unerring accuracy.
The air is alive with the sound of beating wings and the occasional splash as the Hobbies claim their prizes. Each aerial acrobatic display is a testament to their mastery of flight, a symphony of motion set against the backdrop of nature’s grandeur.
Their feeding ritual is a delicate balance of skill and strategy. They weave through the air with calculated grace, anticipating the erratic movements of their prey with uncanny precision. In this dance of predator and prey, the Hobbies reign supreme, their hunger driving them to ever greater heights of aerial dexterity.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, casting its warm embrace over the tranquil scene below, the Hobbies continue their ballet unabated. With bellies full and spirits high, they soar into the boundless expanse of the heavens, leaving behind a wake of awe and admiration.
In the heart of nature’s sanctuary, amidst the whispering reeds and the tranquil waters, the Eurasian Hobbies remind us of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. Their elegant dance over the lake serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of life, where every movement is a testament to the interconnectedness of all living things.
The Sangweiher – a artifical ancient fish pond in the south-western corner of Germany – which is now a designated bird sanctuary, offers optimal living conditions for a variety of animal species. The breeding bird species include the Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), the Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus), the Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) and the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). Several breeding pairs of Grey Herons were observed and up to 45 individuals were counted while foraging. Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) also visit the Sangweiher as feeding guests, with up to twenty specimens having been recorded. Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) fortify themselves here during their migration. The abundance of amphibians and dragonflies is considerable. The plant species include the Broad-leaved Cotton Grass (Eriophorum latifolium) and the Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata), as well as numerous species of rushes and sedges.
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.