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… Continue reading Dance of the Eurasian Hobbies: A Ballet Over the Sangweiher in the Vulkaneifel
Category: Bird Behaviour
How birds behave, strange features, fighting, eating….
A Pallid Harrier (2nd cy) again in the Niederer Fläming
It was already late afternoon when I spotted it—a pale shape cutting low across the fields and obviously pursueing another ringtail raptor near the Niederer Fläming in southern Brandenburg. At first glance, it – or both birds – could have passed for Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus) or even– albeit very early – Montagu’s Harriers (Circus… Continue reading A Pallid Harrier (2nd cy) again in the Niederer Fläming
Lapwing chicks: precocial right after birth
A tiny chick runs directly on the shore of a lake on Lake Neusiedl. Still completely disheveled and barely freed from the eggshell, the tiny chick from the offspring of the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) trips off into the surrounding area on an exploratory tour. With every step the little precocious bird becomes safer and… Continue reading Lapwing chicks: precocial right after birth
Breakfast with jungle birds in Taman Negara
Early in the morning right at the entrance to Taman Negara National Park. I’m standing with a group of bird watchers near the campsite between construction vehicles and looking into the first fruiting tree. I see a fruiting tree, but also several trees in the background that are blooming. This also attracts the birds. Unfazed… Continue reading Breakfast with jungle birds in Taman Negara
Dance of the Band-tailed Manakin at a lek
In a small riparian wood of Sebastien Ecological Station in the province of Santa Cruz/ Bolivia the dense canopy filters the sunlight into a soft, green glow. Here a small but vibrant bird was preparing for a performance. It is a striking male Band-tailed Manakin (Pipra fasciicauda), known for its bright red crown, its red… Continue reading Dance of the Band-tailed Manakin at a lek
Crowdy feeder in April weather
A male Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus) sits in a tree with a piece of ice on its beak. It was an unusually cool March day in the small village on the edge of the forest. Residents had hoped that spring was already in full swing, but nature seemed to have not yet made up its… Continue reading Crowdy feeder in April weather
Tanjung Tuan: an important spring migration observatory for birds of prey in Malaysia
In the realm of natural wonders, there are few phenomena that can rival the majesty of the migration of birds of prey. Every year, millions of birds of prey embark on extensive journeys across continents, covering thousands of kilometers with astonishing precision. One of the privileged places to witness this impressive spectacle is Tanjung Tuan,… Continue reading Tanjung Tuan: an important spring migration observatory for birds of prey in Malaysia
A Burst of Color in the Urban Jungle: a Blue-winged Pitta at a feeder
Shah Alam, a bustling suburb of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, is not typically known for its birdwatching opportunities. However, amidst the urban sprawl, there are pockets of green where nature thrives and surprises await. One such delightful surprise is the sighting of the Blue-winged Pitta (Pitta moluccensis) at a feeder in the Taman Botani Negara… Continue reading A Burst of Color in the Urban Jungle: a Blue-winged Pitta at a feeder
Capturing the Elusive Green-breasted Mango with the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and Speedlite 580EX
Costa Rica is a paradise for bird photographers, offering a stunning array of hummingbirds that challenge even the most experienced shooters. One such gem is the Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii), a vibrant and agile species known for its dazzling iridescence and rapid flight. Photographing this magnificent bird at a feeder at the Cabañas Colibrí Tayutic… Continue reading Capturing the Elusive Green-breasted Mango with the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and Speedlite 580EX
Testing the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM by capturing the speed and beauty of hummingbirds
Photographing hummingbirds is one of the most rewarding yet challenging endeavors for wildlife photographers. These tiny creatures move at astonishing speeds, making it essential to have a lens that delivers exceptional autofocus performance, sharpness, and flexibility. The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM could be one such telephoto zoom lens. Does it offer the photographer… Continue reading Testing the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM by capturing the speed and beauty of hummingbirds
Hummingsbirds near the verdant Caribbean Rainforest of Costa Rica
If you ever find yourself in the lush gardens of Cabañas Colibrí Tayutic, Costa Rica, you might feel as though you’ve stepped into a living jewel box. Tiny, iridescent hummingbirds zip past your ears, their wings a blur, their colors flashing brilliantly in the tropical sunlight. This lodge is a haven for hummingbird enthusiasts, offering… Continue reading Hummingsbirds near the verdant Caribbean Rainforest of Costa Rica
Northern Mockingbird in the Countryside of Rheidt near Bonn
Strolling through the countryside near Rheidt, Niederkassel, the crisp air carried a melody of birdsong, interwoven with the sharp, repetitive calls of a single bird only some days ago. It was the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). This rare vagrant has now not been observed for some time. Even thorough searches were unsuccessful, although the conditions… Continue reading Northern Mockingbird in the Countryside of Rheidt near Bonn