Winter turns the landscape into a canvas for bird artwork, and few sights are as mesmerising as flocks of Bramblings (Fringilla montifringilla) soaring and descending over sunflower fields. These striking birds, with their orange plumage and intricate patterns, bring life and colour to the muted tones of the season. On a cool morning, the fields… Continue reading Bramblings over sunflower fields – a winter spectacle
Category: Birds of Western Palaearctic
Visiting eastern Turkey: Bird migration at Cildir Lake
It is dawn when I have circled the Cildir Gölü, the Cildir Lake halfway. Not far from the border with Georgia I am driving. At the sign for Akçakale I drive into a sleepy town and pass a tourist restaurant with a few seagulls and above all 2 young – probably tame – Dalmatian Pelicans… Continue reading Visiting eastern Turkey: Bird migration at Cildir Lake
An Ornithological Excursion to Boltenhagen at the Baltic Sea in Winter
I arrive early. The wind is cold, blowing in from the sea, and my first glance across the bay reveals exactly what I expect. The long sandy beach of the spa town of Boltenhagen on the Baltic coast is bustling with tourism, even in winter. Nevertheless, I’m confident I have a good chance of spotting… Continue reading An Ornithological Excursion to Boltenhagen at the Baltic Sea in Winter
Brambling-Invasion in the Siebengebirge in Winter 1987/88
The hike in the Fonsbach Valley east of the Rhöndorf Forest Cemetery in the Siebengebirge hills during the winter of 1987 was almost over. Harsh snow crunched underfoot. Dusk was falling. But in the gathering darkness, birds could be seen on the forest floor among the leaves and drying snow. Masses of birds. Countless Bramblings… Continue reading Brambling-Invasion in the Siebengebirge in Winter 1987/88
Grayleg Geese in the Misty Embrace of the Lake
In the calm of the misty dawn, in which the mist, like wet veils, weaves a mysterious cloak around the still waters of a calm lake, a flock of birds appears – they are Greylag Geese (Anser anser). In this atmospheric environment, the connection between the grace of birds and the enigmatic beauty of nature… Continue reading Grayleg Geese in the Misty Embrace of the Lake
Eider on Lake Schwielowsee
This morning, looking out over Lake Schwielowsee near Ferch – very close to Potsdam – I could hardly believe my eyes. Among the usual Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Coots (Fulica atra), something unusual was floating on the gray water – a robust, black-and-white bird with a greenish-tinged nape and a wedge-shaped, pale bill. No doubt… Continue reading Eider on Lake Schwielowsee
A leucistic Common Crane in Brandenburg south of Berlin
A normal, dirty November day. In a field Common Cranes (Grus grus) are feeding on corn with Grey Geese (Anser anser). In the middle of flock, there appears a completely white bird that also seems to be larger. My heart seems to stop. There are actually only two species of crane in the world that… Continue reading A leucistic Common Crane in Brandenburg south of Berlin
The Eurasian Jay in Literature: A Symbol of Beauty and Mischief
Birds have always found their way into human stories, poems, and metaphors, capturing our imagination with their songs and plumage. Among these avian muses, the Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) stands out. With its striking blue wing bars and complex behavior, this bird has inspired writers across cultures to use it as a symbol of cleverness,… Continue reading The Eurasian Jay in Literature: A Symbol of Beauty and Mischief
Recommendations for a stay in the Stelvio National Park
On the edge of the majestic Alps, where rugged peaks rise into the sky and – supposedly – untouched landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the enchanting Zugspitz region. Embedded in this breathtaking expanse lies the Eibsee, a green-blue sparkling jewel in the middle of the mountain forest. In the early,… Continue reading Recommendations for a stay in the Stelvio National Park
Wader migration along the Black Sea coast in Eastern Anatolia
Two Common Sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos) are arguing on a concrete quay in a dilapidated port complex. Why they’re arguing isn’t clear, but it’s likely they have at least one thing in common: they’re migratory birds, both stopping here for a stopover. I arrive on the southern Black Sea coast with mixed feelings. The coast is… Continue reading Wader migration along the Black Sea coast in Eastern Anatolia
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
Pied Avocets, conspicuous coastal birds
When you stroll along coastal mudflats or estuaries, one bird that will likely catch your eye is the striking Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta). With their distinctive black and white plumage and graceful, upturned bills, these birds are not only a delight to observe but also an important species in coastal ecosystems. Let’s delve into what… Continue reading Pied Avocets, conspicuous coastal birds