The forest was still quiet, only a fine mist hung over the path. On a morning walk through a sparse pine forest, I passed a patch of groundwater. The first rays of sunlight cast bright patches on the forest floor. At the edge of the spring, I heard a gentle splash. A young Green Woodpecker… Continue reading Young Green Woodpecker Bathing
Category: Birds of Western Palaearctic
A vagrant in Ireland: a glimpse of the elusive Barred Warbler
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
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
Photographing a Hawfinch by the Water
It was one of those warm late summer days, when the heat slowly cools and the golden sun streams through the canopy. I heard a rustling at the edge of the forest, and there it was – a Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes). With its powerful head and massive beak, it appears rather stocky, but as it… Continue reading Photographing a Hawfinch by the Water
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
Eurasian Hoopoe feeding the offspring
Anyone who observes a Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) raising its young quickly notices how purposeful these striking birds are in their actions. An adult bird repeatedly returns to the nesting site with a green caterpillar in its beak. At first glance, it almost appears as though it is catching the same type of prey every… Continue reading Eurasian Hoopoe feeding the offspring
Spotted Flycatcher in attack
You’re sitting comfortably in your garden chair, listening to the bustling feeding of the great tits – and suddenly the drama starts. A Spotted Flycatcher darts up, chases the tit away from its nesting box, snarls, barks, and sometimes just flies bows of indignation. This isn’t a hunting scene, it’s not a coincidence – it’s… Continue reading Spotted Flycatcher in attack