On the edge of the majestic Alps, where rugged peaks rise into the sky and – supposedly – untouched landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the enchanting Zugspitz region. Embedded in this breathtaking expanse lies the Eibsee, a green-blue sparkling jewel in the middle of the mountain forest. In the early, sometimes bitterly cold spring, the Eurasian Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) can be heard.
I see a forest path right next to where I sleep in the motorhome that leads to Eibsee. Given the heavy tourist traffic with ski equipment up to the parking lot, I opt for this solution. The path is quite pleasant, not too steep, uphill. There’s a lot going on in the trees – but especially very high up. I decide to get a spotting scope/tripod because I definitely can’t identify anything high in the treetops with binoculars. The identification of the pair of Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is purely speculation. It’s a lot of dragging, but it allows me to discover mixed flocks in the conifers straight away. Nothing intoxicating but always beautiful: Coal Tit (Periparus ater), Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus), Great Tit (Parus major), Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea). A little later I also see a Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris), which can be easily recognized by its irregular wing stripe pattern.
The path then continues quite narrow and well gravelled through excellent spruce forest; quite natural. Only after a while do I reach a place where the songbirds are cursing like crazy. Surely that won’t be a Predator? I’m very excited, leave my spotting scope on the tripod at the side of the path and dive into the mountain forest, up the mountain. Of course I cannot see anything at first. That would be too nice. I can only see the Coal Tits, Crested Tits and Great Tits and other songbirds constantly hopping back and forth and flying. Then a shadow flies away. It’s a shame, he definitely would have been. I’m a little disappointed. I’m trying a last resort. I whistle the monotonous melody of the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), which I still remember from South America. And what happens. Yes, the Pygmy-Owl answers, and promptly. A Pygmy-Owl actually comes flying in and starts calling with its typical song. Of course I record the calls straight away. Then I play the recording from the voice recorder and the Pygmy-Owl promptly answers again, but then flies away. This goes on for quite a while, and I can always see it clearly in the binoculars from the forest floor against the sky. Then finally the Pygmy-Owl lands very picturesquely in front of a trunk. When it disappears further away, I am almost certain that I have now lost him. But playing the tape brings him back again. Great, this time I’m climbing up the hill practically parallel to him and then I’m actually face to face with him. The songbirds are also very excited about my achievement and join in at the reception with all their might. The Nuthatches are now also joining in. Finally, a remarkable flock of Eurasian Bullfinches come by and join in the loud scolding. An impressive situation in which 3 male Bullfinches in the most beautiful regalia stand on a spruce top and call loudly. Then the sun even comes out from behind the ridge of the Zugspitze and the Pygmy-Owl looks just right from the side. Yes, you have to enjoy it now.
For avid bird watchers, the Alps around the Zugspitz area are a paradise of many bird wonders waiting to be discovered. In addition to the birds mentioned above, examples include Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix), Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia) and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos).
If you want to discover nature and animals, you would do well to go alone or at most in pairs. Only then do you have the peace and quiet to actually perceive the “breath of nature” in every season, the silence or the natural sounds. So what can you recommend to a visitor to the area? Are there any particularly worthwhile places? The good news is undoubtedly that equally interesting observations and discoveries can be made anywhere in the area.
Is there a best season? Or is there a particularly recommended time of year to visit the park? Actually not. Every day of the year there is a chance to discover fascinating motifs. In winter it is of course important to prepare accordingly. You can then move comfortably through the landscape on skis or snowshoes. Due to the significant differences in altitude, spring and autumn last for long periods. Depending on what altitude you are at, you can still marvel at spring-like flower meadows in June or photograph the first autumn impressions, sometimes even snowy winter landscapes, in August.
The network of paths in the park is quite well developed and enables hikes of all levels of difficulty, from strolls to challenging mountain tours. Exploring the park is easiest in summer and fall. Then numerous huts are open up to the higher altitudes and offer the opportunity to stay overnight. Comfortable hotels, on the other hand, are of course open all year round in the national park region and are available in every town, no matter how small. In the Swiss Engadine National Park, leaving the paths is generally not permitted, but in the Italian park it is simply “not recommended” to leave the paths.
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