As the cool autumn air begins to settle over Mayo, the windswept landscapes of Annagh Head and the Mullet Peninsula come alive with the flutter of wings. These coastal areas, known for their rugged beauty, become a haven for both passing and wintering birds, drawing bird enthusiasts from far and wide. The Mullet Peninsula and… Continue reading Migrating Birds at the Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo
Category: Bird Migration
Observations of migration birds, aspects of migration
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
Citrine Wagtail in the Krušné hory, the Czech Ore Mountains
When strolling through the vast, flower-rich mountain meadows of the Czech Ore Mountains in early summer, one might sometimes notice a bright yellow dot in the grass. A short call – sharp but not intrusive – and it’s gone again: the Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola). Once you’ve seen this lively, strikingly colored bird in the… Continue reading Citrine Wagtail in the Krušné hory, the Czech Ore Mountains
Dance of the Eurasian Hobbies: A Ballet Over the Sangweiher in the Vulkaneifel
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
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
Red-breasted Goose as a vagrant in Brandenburg
The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a fascinating bird that appears as a rare visitor to Germany. Its striking coloration and unusual migratory behavior make it a special object of observation for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. So, there was great joy when a sighting of even two geese appeared on ornitho.de in western Brandenburg. Anyone… Continue reading Red-breasted Goose as a vagrant in Brandenburg
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
Rare Spectacled Eider in Texel-Wagejot, Noord-Holland
Birdwatchers across the Netherlands and beyond have been buzzing with excitement over an extraordinary visitor: a male Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri) spotted at Texel-Wagejot, Noord-Holland. This remarkable sea duck, native to Arctic regions, has drawn thousands of birders eager to catch a glimpse of a species never before recorded in the Netherlands. The discovery of… Continue reading Rare Spectacled Eider in Texel-Wagejot, Noord-Holland
Winter Hideaway of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
On an afternoon along a rushing river near Turrialba in Costa Rica, a tiny bird flits through the understory, pausing just long enough to snatch a passing insect. This is Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris), a small but resilient traveler that has escaped the cold grip of North America to find refuge in Central America’s tropical… Continue reading Winter Hideaway of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
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
An unexpected visitor: first-year Long-Tailed Duck in Teltow-Flaeming/ Brandenburg
On a chilly winter day in Brandenburg, a small, seemingly inconspicuous pond became the setting for an extraordinary encounter. Among the usual array of waterfowl, a first-year Long-Tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) stood out—a rare visitor far from its typical Arctic and coastal haunts. Its presence, alongside more familiar duck species like Smew (Mergellus albellus), Gadwall… Continue reading An unexpected visitor: first-year Long-Tailed Duck in Teltow-Flaeming/ Brandenburg