Not far from the city of Manaus, which has a population of one million, yet still offers a real jungle feel. Ponta Poranga Lodge clearly scores with its location. It’s easily accessible from Manaus, yet you feel like you’re in the middle of nature. For me, a stopover traveler who wants to get a taste… Continue reading Manaus: Ponta Poranga Lodge clearly scores with its location
Category: Rare Bird sightings
Specialities
Singing Alta Floresta Antpitta near ranger station at Urua in PN da Amazônia
We’re barely 500 meters from the ranger station in Uruá in the Amazon; every step on the dry leaves of my boots is unavoidably audible. And yet, our senses are on edge, our ears pricked. Then I hear it too—a deep, haunting whistle. Pause. Repeated. We all freeze as if on cue. It’s the Alta… Continue reading Singing Alta Floresta Antpitta near ranger station at Urua in PN da Amazônia
White-whiskered Puffbird with butterfly pinned in its bill
This morning, while wandering the tangled edge of a riparian forest on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, I had the luck of witnessing a moment that both thrilled and puzzled me: a White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis) perched silently almost on eye level, a vividly patterned butterfly pinned in its bill. It was shortly after 11:00 a.m.,… Continue reading White-whiskered Puffbird with butterfly pinned in its bill
Young Blue Tit with beak defect
Sometimes it’s only at second glance that you notice what’s wrong with a bird—or, more accurately, what’s not quite right. This is the case with this young Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), which is wandering among ripe cherries in a blooming garden. Everything seems perfectly normal until you take a closer look at the photos. Then… Continue reading Young Blue Tit with beak defect
Hawfinch in an apple tree
Rain drips from the apple blossoms. The branches sag slightly under the weight of the water. And there, hunched and still, sits a Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes). It looks too heavy for the branch, too solid for a songbird. But it’s perfectly at home, blinking slowly through the drizzle, its massive beak tucked against its chest… Continue reading Hawfinch in an apple tree
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
Citrine Wagtail in the Krušné hory, the Czech Ore Mountains
When strolling through the vast, flower-rich mountain meadows of the Czech Ore Mountains in early summer, one might sometimes notice a bright yellow dot in the grass. A short call – sharp but not intrusive – and it’s gone again: the Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola). Once you’ve seen this lively, strikingly colored bird in the… Continue reading Citrine Wagtail in the Krušné hory, the Czech Ore Mountains
Red-breasted Goose as a vagrant in Brandenburg
The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a fascinating bird that appears as a rare visitor to Germany. Its striking coloration and unusual migratory behavior make it a special object of observation for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. So, there was great joy when a sighting of even two geese appeared on ornitho.de in western Brandenburg. Anyone… Continue reading Red-breasted Goose as a vagrant in Brandenburg
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
Rare Spectacled Eider in Texel-Wagejot, Noord-Holland
Birdwatchers across the Netherlands and beyond have been buzzing with excitement over an extraordinary visitor: a male Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri) spotted at Texel-Wagejot, Noord-Holland. This remarkable sea duck, native to Arctic regions, has drawn thousands of birders eager to catch a glimpse of a species never before recorded in the Netherlands. The discovery of… Continue reading Rare Spectacled Eider in Texel-Wagejot, Noord-Holland
Discovering the Black Grouse in the Bohemian Ore Mountains
Discovering the Black Grouse in the Bohemian Rudné Hory, is a big challenge for ornithologists. In the heart of the Bohemian Rudné Hory (Ore Mountains), bird enthusiasts can still find a dwindling yet resilient population of Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). Known for their unique courtship display and dramatic plumage, these birds represent a symbol of… Continue reading Discovering the Black Grouse in the Bohemian Ore Mountains
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