A normal, dirty November day. In a field Common Cranes (Grus grus) are feeding on corn with Grey Geese (Anser anser). In the middle of flock, there appears a completely white bird that also seems to be larger. My heart seems to stop. There are actually only two species of crane in the world that… Continue reading A leucistic Common Crane in Brandenburg south of Berlin
Category: Birds of Western Palaearctic
The Eurasian Jay in Literature: A Symbol of Beauty and Mischief
Birds have always found their way into human stories, poems, and metaphors, capturing our imagination with their songs and plumage. Among these avian muses, the Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) stands out. With its striking blue wing bars and complex behavior, this bird has inspired writers across cultures to use it as a symbol of cleverness,… Continue reading The Eurasian Jay in Literature: A Symbol of Beauty and Mischief
Recommendations for a stay in the Stelvio National Park
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,… Continue reading Recommendations for a stay in the Stelvio National Park
Wader migration along the Black Sea coast in Eastern Anatolia
Two Common Sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos) are arguing on a concrete quay in a dilapidated port complex. Why they’re arguing isn’t clear, but it’s likely they have at least one thing in common: they’re migratory birds, both stopping here for a stopover. I arrive on the southern Black Sea coast with mixed feelings. The coast is… Continue reading Wader migration along the Black Sea coast in Eastern Anatolia
Young Barn Swallow begging Sand Martin for food
Migration day at Gülper See. On this quiet afternoon, when the sun is no longer so high on the horizon on the southern shore of Gülper See, a young Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is waiting more and more aggressively on a wire in a cow pasture. Because this young bird is not satisfied with patience.… Continue reading Young Barn Swallow begging Sand Martin for food
Pied Avocets, conspicuous coastal birds
When you stroll along coastal mudflats or estuaries, one bird that will likely catch your eye is the striking Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta). With their distinctive black and white plumage and graceful, upturned bills, these birds are not only a delight to observe but also an important species in coastal ecosystems. Let’s delve into what… Continue reading Pied Avocets, conspicuous coastal birds
Bathing Eurasian Jays in Brandenburg
After a long, hot summer day in the already drought-poor southern Brandenburg, the air still shimmers slightly over the field. The chattering calls of Eurasian Jays (Garrulus glandarius) can be heard in the trees all along. But nothing can be seen. Suddenly, one of the jays lands at the edge of a shallow spring draining… Continue reading Bathing Eurasian Jays in Brandenburg
Young Blue Tit with beak defect
Sometimes it’s only at second glance that you notice what’s wrong with a bird—or, more accurately, what’s not quite right. This is the case with this young Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), which is wandering among ripe cherries in a blooming garden. Everything seems perfectly normal until you take a closer look at the photos. Then… Continue reading Young Blue Tit with beak defect
Hawfinch in an apple tree
Rain drips from the apple blossoms. The branches sag slightly under the weight of the water. And there, hunched and still, sits a Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes). It looks too heavy for the branch, too solid for a songbird. But it’s perfectly at home, blinking slowly through the drizzle, its massive beak tucked against its chest… Continue reading Hawfinch in an apple tree
Young Great Spotted Woodpecker is pulling on the mother’s feathers
In spring, the forest comes alive and with it a multitude of young birds are born. One of the most fascinating sights is that of a young Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) hungry and impatiently pulling on its mother’s feathers to encourage her to feed. This behavior offers us a unique insight into the life… Continue reading Young Great Spotted Woodpecker is pulling on the mother’s feathers
Common Kingfisher during mating preparation with a fish
Many people photograph Common Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) when they gather in small ponds, lakes and canals in winter to find food. I am particularly fascinated by the colours and movement of the birds. Common Kingfishers are truly incredible subjects, because their colours can change from dark blue to blue-green to turquoise depending on the angle… Continue reading Common Kingfisher during mating preparation with a fish
Excellent boat trip to Rockabill
The day dawned bright and clear as we departed from the pier, setting the stage for what would be an idyllic adventure. The staff was exceptionally courteous and helpful, beginning our journey with a detailed overview of the route and ensuring our life jackets were securely fitted. Departing Malahide Marina right on schedule, we set… Continue reading Excellent boat trip to Rockabill