We are on a pelagic trip, this is a seabird watching tour. This time a stretch of water off-shore the west coast of Ireland with Blacksod Sea Safari is approached. On the trip to the Atlantic we pass the island of Inishkea. Eventually we are surrounded by the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. The sun… Continue reading Flight Dynamics of Northern Atlantic Shearwaters: A Comparative Insight
Category: Bird Trips (Pictures & Stories)
What could be seen, what to see, the landscape…
Exploring the Pelagic Birds of the Atlantic: A Glimpse at Leach’s Storm-Petrel
We are on a seabird watching tour west of Ireland with Blacksod Sea Safari. On the trip to the Atlantic we pass the island of Inishkea, which my skipper, Toby, highly recommends to me because of the many breeding birds – probably also Storm Petrels – in summer. But I’m not in the mood for… Continue reading Exploring the Pelagic Birds of the Atlantic: A Glimpse at Leach’s Storm-Petrel
Birdwatching at Downpatrick Head: A Seabird Spectacle in Ireland
Perched on the wild and rugged coastline of County Mayo, Downpatrick Head offers bird enthusiasts a front-row seat to one of nature’s most captivating spectacles. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of seabird colonies in summer or the dynamic migration activity in autumn, this iconic location promises a rewarding experience. During the summer months, the… Continue reading Birdwatching at Downpatrick Head: A Seabird Spectacle in Ireland
Spotted Nutcracker in the Nockberge in Austria
One afternoon we almost finished our hike through the Nockberge-mountains. In some spruce trees, we saw a family of Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). The followed us for several minutes and gave excellent views. The term “Nocke” refers to the rounded shapes of the mountains in the southern Austrian Alps, which reach up to 2,400 meters… Continue reading Spotted Nutcracker in the Nockberge in Austria
Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) on Mallorca
Spotting Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) in mid-April can be quite futile. By then, these falcons are still en route to their summer destinations in the Mediterranean, typically arriving in late April and May. Although I have never visited the island due to its popularity among tourists, a friend shared a memorable experience. During his visit,… Continue reading Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) on Mallorca
Mountain Peacock-Pheasant in a spectacular mating display
A male Mountain Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum) enhances his performance with subtle feather vibrations. By shaking his tail feathers, he produces a rustling sound that adds an auditory dimension to his courtship ritual.The courtship display of the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant is a meticulously choreographed performance designed to captivate the female. 2 hours before: At 6:00 I’m already… Continue reading Mountain Peacock-Pheasant in a spectacular mating display
Arctic Tern with caught fish on return flight
I recently had the incredible opportunity to observe and photograph a male Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) during its return flight with a caught fish on the southern coast of Ireland. Witnessing this elegant bird in action was a truly remarkable experience. We positioned ourselves in an area known for Arctic Tern activity, hoping to capture… Continue reading Arctic Tern with caught fish on return flight
Hairy-backed Bulbul at Bumbung Tabing, in the rainforest of Taman Negara
The Bumbung Tabing, in the rainforest of Taman Negara NP, reportedly offers space for 8 people and is said to offer a great overview of a stream loop. It’s supposed to be teeming with birds here. But when I spend my time there, the only thing I see beside the leeches is a Hairy-backed Bulbul… Continue reading Hairy-backed Bulbul at Bumbung Tabing, in the rainforest of Taman Negara
Pulsating Drumbeat of Taman Negara: Exploring the Maroon Woodpecker in Malaysia’s bird flocks
In the heart of Malaysia’s verdant Taman Negara rainforest, a cacophony of avian calls fills the air, echoing through the dense canopy and creating a symphony of sound that speaks to the biodiversity thriving within. Among the myriad species that call this ancient forest home, one stands out for its unique role and unmistakable rhythm—the… Continue reading Pulsating Drumbeat of Taman Negara: Exploring the Maroon Woodpecker in Malaysia’s bird flocks
Stephen’s Place: a paradise for Barbets in Bukit Fraser
On the edge of a green mountain forest, right in the heart of Malaysia, stands a large tree whose branches are laden with an abundance of ripe treasures of red fruits. An almost unlimited number of fruits dangle in the canopy between dense emerald green foliage. A lively spectacle unfolds here for a few days… Continue reading Stephen’s Place: a paradise for Barbets in Bukit Fraser
Hard Birding Taman Negara
Right at the entrance to the Taman Negara National Park in the middle of Malaysia you have the chance to experience an early bird show. So one morning I was standing with a group of bird watchers near the campsite between construction vehicles and looking into a fruiting tree. Undeterred by the hotel staff and… Continue reading Hard Birding Taman Negara
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