Large Hawk-Cuckoo in mangroves of Malaysia

The labyrinthine mangroves of Malaysia, where twisting roots intertwine like the veins of the earth, are home to many mysterious birds. One of these, spending at least some time during migration amidst the humid heat, dense foliage and murky water, is the elusive figure of the Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides). It is a bird with… Continue reading Large Hawk-Cuckoo in mangroves of Malaysia

Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) in Kuala Selangor Nature Park

In the middle of the day in the sparse mangrove thicket of the Kuala Selangor Nature Park the heat is murderous. But this is probably no surprise for a landscape almost at the equator. Suddenly a brown bird flies up from the side of the path that runs along a dike through the mangrove forest.… Continue reading Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) in Kuala Selangor Nature Park

Spring migration of birds of prey at Cape Rachado in Malaysia

It has been known since the middle of the last century at the latest that wintering populations of the Oriental Honey-buzzards (Pernis ptilorhyncus) and at least four other species of birds of prey migrate northeast from Sumatra each spring via the Strait of Malacca to the west coast of Malaysia. This migration is part of… Continue reading Spring migration of birds of prey at Cape Rachado in Malaysia

A split: Delicate Prinia and sister species

Emirates Golf Club – or Ghantoot after all? Somehow I can’t find the direction to the south. Road traffic in UAE is a thing of its own. As I drive north, Safa Park is actually the first on the route. All right, I’ll take that. Unfortunately it’s still too early and I still have to… Continue reading A split: Delicate Prinia and sister species

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha at forest edge in Taman Negara NP

After I had observed a pair of Abbott’s Babblers (Malacocincla abbotti) for a long time and photographed them well (the voices from the tape did the rest), the activity of the singing babblers suddenly increased. Both individuals now come into the open areas of the forest edge more clearly and for longer periods of time.… Continue reading Chestnut-breasted Malkoha at forest edge in Taman Negara NP

A Special at Green Mubazzarah:  Leucism in Desert Lark

After a successful morning in first light and 2 hours afterwards in the Green Mubazzarah, at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, I’ve just come back from a photo tour of both the Plain Leaf-Warbler (Phylloscopus neglectus) and a pair of Hume’s Wheatears (Oenanthe alboniger). I walk over the thick pebbles that make the Wadi… Continue reading A Special at Green Mubazzarah:  Leucism in Desert Lark

Heath-moor landscape: spring awakening

Dusk falls over the high moor. A burring sound is suddenly heard over the bulbs and pines. A Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)  is on its territorial flight. She can also be seen briefly. A little later, the long-eared owl (Asio otus) reports with its typical call from an oak stand. In spring, life awakens in… Continue reading Heath-moor landscape: spring awakening

Spring fever not only for migrating Waders

At the end of February and beginning of March, life slowly but surely begins to pulsate again everywhere. The first birds return from the wintering grounds and the males of the meadow birds, such as the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) or the Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), try to impress the… Continue reading Spring fever not only for migrating Waders

The Cunning Magpie: A Feathered Hunter’s Encounter with a Serpent in Romania

In the wilderness, nature stages captivating dramas that unfold in completely unexpected ways. Today the scene is in Bucharest. Unfortunately, Stirbey Park is filled with horrible, loud gypsy music. It’s a shame, nowhere is you safe from it. We check out different places. But nothing to see. In the heart of the park, which features… Continue reading The Cunning Magpie: A Feathered Hunter’s Encounter with a Serpent in Romania

Vagrant Egyptian Nightjar on Fuerteventura

A Egyptian Nightjar (Caprimulgus aegyptius) was found on March 29, 2007 near La Lajita Beach on Fuerteventura. The Egyptian Nightjar was ringed and released the next day. After the onset of south-easterly winds and sandstorms from the Sahara, a Egyptian Nightjar was caught on the island of Fuerteventura at the end of March 2007, probably… Continue reading Vagrant Egyptian Nightjar on Fuerteventura

Pied Lapwing on boat trip at Rio Aquidauana

Due to the long drive from Campo Grande to the Pousada Toca da Onca, I arrived on the first day in the southern Pantanal in the late afternoon. But it was not too late to join a boat trip. It is very cloudy, but also very warm and humid. The clouds in the sky indicated… Continue reading Pied Lapwing on boat trip at Rio Aquidauana

Andean Cock-of-the-rock at Tunquini Field Station from a camouflage tent

A beautiful day announces itself with a perfect starry sky. So I can really throw myself into the adventure. First I try my luck with the Nikon Nikkor AF-I 4.0/ 600 on the Nikon F 5 set up on the fruiting single tree on the slope where I couldn’t find anything yesterday. I’ve barely taken… Continue reading Andean Cock-of-the-rock at Tunquini Field Station from a camouflage tent