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
Category: Nature Conservation
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
Stilt Sandpiper: A Winter Visit to the Guaporé River Wetlands
When the sun rises over the lowlands of eastern Brazil, painting the Guaporé River in hues of gold, I catch a sight of slender-legged birds wading gracefully in the shallows. First I think of a Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca). And one of the bird is a Greater Yellowlegs. But among the other waders I identify… Continue reading Stilt Sandpiper: A Winter Visit to the Guaporé River Wetlands
Eurasian Pygmy-Owl in Saxon Switzerland National Park south of Dresden
As the sun sinks behind the horizon and casts long shadows across the forest floor, the kingdom of owls in the “Saxon Switzerland” National Park should be visited. In the mysterious hours between dusk and dawn they come to life. With every step the forest shines into the observer to envelop a symphony of rustling… Continue reading Eurasian Pygmy-Owl in Saxon Switzerland National Park south of Dresden
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
Challenges in Bird Population Monitoring
Big data has become a crucial tool in conservation efforts, offering innovative ways to inspire public support and inform ecological management strategies. One notable example is eBird in Action, a segment showcasing conservation success stories made possible through user contributions. Accurately determining bird populations in specific areas can be challenging, especially for species that are… Continue reading Challenges in Bird Population Monitoring
Photographing Red-backed Shrikes in Germany
The male of the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) sits exposed on an Elderberry branch (Sambucus nigra) protruding from the hedge. For years, this small shrike has been found in the midst of a wet forest meadow landscape during the breeding season. In the North German Plain the Red-backed Shrike is still widespread, but the population… Continue reading Photographing Red-backed Shrikes in Germany
Roseate Terns at Lady’s Island in southern Ireland
Imagine walking along the tranquil shores of the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the rhythmic waves gently touching the sand. Suddenly a delicate bird catches your eye – its slender shape and graceful flight are a testament to nature’s elegance. This is the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii), a very bright, graceful seabird that occasionally displays… Continue reading Roseate Terns at Lady’s Island in southern Ireland
Female Montagu’s Harrier from southern Brandenburg in the Czech Republic
A female Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) from southern Brandenburg – just 60 km south of Berlin – was found a few days ago as a breeding bird on the nest in Plzensky Kraj about 10 km west of Plzen. The Montagu’s Harrier was ringed 2021 when it was a nestling together with its 3 nest… Continue reading Female Montagu’s Harrier from southern Brandenburg in the Czech Republic