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
Category: Where to watch birds
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
Dot-eared Coquette in Gunma Ecological Park
The middy heat was just beginning to press down after a cloudy morning when we reached the edge of a new-established outskirts, in the Gunma Ecological Park near Belém. The small village here might have its charms, but the real draw for birders is far more delicate: the Dot-eared Coquette (Lophornis gouldii). I had been… Continue reading Dot-eared Coquette in Gunma Ecological Park
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
Birdwatching in Sicily: Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi NR
The wetlands lie hidden amidst intensively farmed land. When traveling in western Sicily and suddenly finding yourself before a still expanse of water framed by reeds and dense undergrowth, everything seems almost unrealistically peaceful for a moment. Only the rhythmic calls of the Hoopoe (Upupa epops) provide a background sound. This is exactly what a… Continue reading Birdwatching in Sicily: Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi NR
A Fierce Defender: Variable Antshrike’s Territorial Behavior
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
Black Grouse in the Czech Mountains of Rudne Hory
The roaring of the cocks can be heard from the edge of village, high on the Ore Mountains ridge. You don’t have to travel far to witness the wild spectacle of Black Grouse on their courtship display. Every spring, before and about two hours after sunrise, something wild happens in Europe’s remaining natural open moorlands.… Continue reading Black Grouse in the Czech Mountains of Rudne Hory
The Blue-crowned Motmot-complex
The song is a common sound of rain forest especially early in the morning. It is a monotone “boop-oop”. Occasionally, when duetting, there is a rolling series of hoots. Nevertheless, the first time you notice a motmot, it will probably be not due to its sound. Instead, it is the slow swing of the tail,… Continue reading The Blue-crowned Motmot-complex
Cinnamon Tanager near Garganta del Diablo at Iguazú
We arrive a little after 8:00 a.m. at the small landing stage near Garganta del Diablo. The morning still feels untouched. No visitors, no voices, only the wide murmur of the river and the humid air rising from the forest. A lone Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) stands on the railing of the walkway, as if… Continue reading Cinnamon Tanager near Garganta del Diablo at Iguazú
Hazel Grouse in the Czech Mountains of Rudne Hory
In the spring, as I was wandering with binoculars through species-rich, moist spruce forests near Nové Hamry (Neu Hammer), about 8 km south of the German border near Breitenbach, I suddenly noticed a gentle rustling in the undergrowth. Suddenly, a buzzing sound of takeoff. A brown-gray bird began its flight from an area of low… Continue reading Hazel Grouse in the Czech Mountains of Rudne Hory
Bicolored Antvireo: a poorly known species of antbird
I am not expecting it. The morning along the edge of Tatamá National Natural Park in Risaralda is already generous with tanagers and mixed flocks moving through the mid-elevation forest. Then a dark shape shifts quietly inside a dense tangle of bamboo. At first it is just movement and shadow. When the bird turns, the… Continue reading Bicolored Antvireo: a poorly known species of antbird