In the heart of the forest of Refugio Los Volcanes in Santa Cruz province in south-eastern Bolivia, an unparalleled adventure unfolds as we set out to locate the elusive Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens). Known for its striking plumage and territorial nature, this small bird becomes the centerpiece of our quest. Armed with binoculars and guided… Continue reading A Fierce Defender: Variable Antshrike’s Territorial Behavior
Category: Nature Conservation
Hotel Mandalay 1941 near Pereira: the base for Otún Quimbaya
Arriving at Hotel Mandalay 1941 feels less like checking in and more like stepping into a pause between forest edges. The road from Pereira winds through coffee farms and humid green folds, and by the time the hotel appears, bird calls already dominate the soundscape. Mornings begin with mist lifting off the hills and movement… Continue reading Hotel Mandalay 1941 near Pereira: the base for Otún Quimbaya
Wilson’s Plover on the Brazilian coast in austral winter
A quiet stretch of Brazilian beach early in the morning, before umbrellas and voices take over, I walk with my camera along the shore. Besides some regular coastal birds I notice a small, pale shorebird standing not too far from the waterline. It pauses, runs a few steps, then stops again, alert and watchful. Many… Continue reading Wilson’s Plover on the Brazilian coast in austral winter
Bramblings over sunflower fields – a winter spectacle
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
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
The Grace of the Capped Heron, an early Morning Encounter
In the early morning light, nature often reveals its most serene and captivating moments. One such moment unfolded as I observed a Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) perched gracefully on a bush. This elegant bird, with its distinctive features and tranquil demeanor, made for a mesmerizing sight against the backdrop of the awakening world. As the… Continue reading The Grace of the Capped Heron, an early Morning Encounter
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
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
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
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
Recommendations for a stay in the Stelvio National Park
In the heart of the majestic Alps, where rugged peaks rise into the sky and untouched landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the enchanting Stelvio National Park or Stilfser Joch. Nestled in this breathtaking expanse lies the Stelvio Pass, a mountainous wonderland that attracts both adventurers and nature lovers. For avid… Continue reading Recommendations for a stay in the Stelvio National Park
Hiking and birding in Stelvio National Park in the Alps
A meeting of nature enthusiasts at dawn. In the heart of the majestic Alps, where rugged peaks rise into the sky and untouched landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the enchanting Stelvio National Park. Nestled in this breathtaking expanse lies the Stelvio Pass, a mountainous wonderland that attracts both adventurers and… Continue reading Hiking and birding in Stelvio National Park in the Alps