I’m on the path in Bharatpur, Keoladeo National Park. The morning air is damp and alive with calls, and among the bulbuls and mynas a sharp, whistling note cuts through. I look up, and there it is—a small group of Indian Pied Starlings (Gracupica contra) flashing their black-and-white plumage as they settle into the branches.… Continue reading Indian Pied Starlings in Bharatpur, Keoladeo
Category: Bird Trips (Pictures & Stories)
What could be seen, what to see, the landscape…
Singing Alta Floresta Antpitta near ranger station at Urua in PN da Amazônia
We’re barely 500 meters from the ranger station in Uruá in the Amazon; every step on the dry leaves of my boots is unavoidably audible. And yet, our senses are on edge, our ears pricked. Then I hear it too—a deep, haunting whistle. Pause. Repeated. We all freeze as if on cue. It’s the Alta… Continue reading Singing Alta Floresta Antpitta near ranger station at Urua in PN da Amazônia
In search of Screaming Piha at Ponta Poranga Jungle Lodge/ Manaus
It was barely light when we set out—boots wet from dew, binoculars slung tight, and the air thick with humidity. The forest around Ponta Poranga Jungle Lodge was still in shadow, but somewhere ahead, the call of the Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vociferans) pierced the trees. We had come for that unmistakable, electrifying sound—a siren song… Continue reading In search of Screaming Piha at Ponta Poranga Jungle Lodge/ Manaus
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
Northern Fulmar’s in strong winds
The Northern Fulmar’s (Fulmarus glacialis) flight is a marvel of natural engineering. Equipped with strong wings and a robust body, Fulmarus glacialis glides effortlessly on the gusts of wind that buffet the steep coastal cliffs. The Northern Fulmar is a remarkable seabird known for its exceptional ability to navigate the wild winds and turbulent air… Continue reading Northern Fulmar’s in strong winds
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
Kummerower See: a lake in Mecklenburg´s Switzerland
The Great Rosin at the northwestern corner of See (lake) Kummerow is a detour to Mecklenburg. Our destination is located between the little towns of Malchin, Dargun and Demmin. Northern Shovelers (Spatula or Anas clypeata) are really common with almost 200 individuals and Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) as, but there are also 6 Garganey (Spatula… Continue reading Kummerower See: a lake in Mecklenburg´s Switzerland
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
Aransas NWR: bird diversity in Texas
A white bird is flying in and sits down on the metal of the bridge of the sound. A Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri) has one of its strongholds on Texas coast here near Aransas NWR. It is a good 80 kilometers from Houston to the numerous state parks on the Gulf of Mexico. The extensive… Continue reading Aransas NWR: bird diversity in Texas
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
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