It was one of those mornings that felt promising, with the quiet rustle of the willows and brambles on the breeze in Keem Bay on Achill Island, County Mayo. As I moved to the edge of the gulley above the stone bridge, another birdwatcher mentioned a sighting earlier that caught my attention. In a small… Continue reading A vagrant in Ireland: a glimpse of the elusive Barred Warbler
Category: Bird Migration
Observations of migration birds, aspects of migration
Little Egrets in Brandenburg: Why the rare species is appearing more frequently
Anyone spotting a small, elegant white egret at a lake in Brandenburg would do well to take a second look these days. A Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) might well appear among the familiar Great Egrets (Ardea alba), and the Little Egret remains a rarity in Germany. Nevertheless, there is a growing impression that the species… Continue reading Little Egrets in Brandenburg: Why the rare species is appearing more frequently
Sanderlings and a Lone Dunlin: A Moment on the Pebble Ballycastle Beach, Mayo
It’s early morning, and the pebble-strewn shore is alive with the soft chatter of shorebirds. Among them, a strong flock of Sanderlings (Calidris alba) scurries back and forth, their pale plumage blending into the beach’s muted tones. Darting in sync with the rhythm of the waves, they feed eagerly on small invertebrates. Just beyond them,… Continue reading Sanderlings and a Lone Dunlin: A Moment on the Pebble Ballycastle Beach, Mayo
Sahelian intruders into the Palearctic
I spend most of my birding trips in North Africa with a sense of discovery—always wondering which species will surprise me in the desert landscapes. Southern Algeria, especially the road south of Tamanrasset toward Tin Zaouatine, is one of those places where the familiar edges of the Palearctic meet the Sahel. On a recent journey… Continue reading Sahelian intruders into the Palearctic
Young Mediterranean Gull among the gulls of Blåvandshuk
You might simply be looking at the gulls on the beach at Blåvandshuk when, suddenly, one stands out as not quite belonging: a young Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) amidst the familiar grey and brown birds. Such a sighting is particularly interesting in early August. At this time of year, the gatherings of gulls at the… Continue reading Young Mediterranean Gull among the gulls of Blåvandshuk
Birdwatching at Blåvandshuk in Early August: Heavy Oystercatchers-Migration Early
In early August at Blåvandshuk, a mere glance across the surf is often enough to spot a string of dark dots moving along the horizon. A casual beach walk can quickly turn into a counting session: at this time of year, Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) are the dominant waders here. Eurasian Oystercatchers account for more… Continue reading Birdwatching at Blåvandshuk in Early August: Heavy Oystercatchers-Migration Early
Wilson’s Storm Petrel from Annagh Head in County Mayo
Annagh Head, a rugged and windswept promontory on Ireland’s west coast, offers a prime vantage point for observing the dynamic avian life of the Atlantic Ocean. Annagh Head is one of the best seawatching sites in western Ireland. It is although relatively underwatched. Unlike some of the other famous sites, impressive seawatching is not dependent… Continue reading Wilson’s Storm Petrel from Annagh Head in County Mayo
Early migratory movements on the Pomeranian coast: observations near Dziwnów in mid-July
Sometimes, it is precisely those days when you simply want to “take a quick look” that you suddenly realize: there is more activity here than expected. In mid-July, unusually lively bird migration was observed on the Pomeranian coast near Dziwnów. A scan of the coastline revealed a whole range of species already on the move.… Continue reading Early migratory movements on the Pomeranian coast: observations near Dziwnów in mid-July
Notable Bird Migration Along the Pomeranian Coast
On a windy June day along the Pomeranian Baltic coast near Dziwnów (formerly Dievenow), there was suddenly plenty to see. A strong westerly wind was blowing across the sea, and several species of ducks and waders were migrating from east to west along the narrow coastal strip. At first, 8 Northern Shovelers (Spatula clypeata) in… Continue reading Notable Bird Migration Along the Pomeranian Coast
Black-winged Stilt in one of Brandenburgs meadows
Amidst shallow pools, wet meadows, and resting wading birds, two elegant birds with strikingly long, red legs suddenly catch the eye. Wandering along the Ungeheuerwiesen near Trebbin you can perform an extraordinary sighting. A Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is spending time here together with its mate. The scene does not go unnoticed: a Northern Lapwing… Continue reading Black-winged Stilt in one of Brandenburgs meadows
Birdwatching in Sicily: Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi NR
The wetlands lie hidden amidst intensively farmed land. When traveling in western Sicily and suddenly finding yourself before a still expanse of water framed by reeds and dense undergrowth, everything seems almost unrealistically peaceful for a moment. Only the rhythmic calls of the Hoopoe (Upupa epops) provide a background sound. This is exactly what a… Continue reading Birdwatching in Sicily: Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi NR
Vagrant Blue-cheeked Bee-eater at Capo Murro di Porco in Sicily
I’m standing at Capo Murro di Porco, the southern edge of Sicily, where – quite close to Syrakus – the land gives way to open sea and the wind never really settles. I’ve come here for seawatching, scanning the horizon for shearwaters, but something unexpected should pull my attention furthermore. Near the parking area, a… Continue reading Vagrant Blue-cheeked Bee-eater at Capo Murro di Porco in Sicily