Bird Migration in Eilat/ Israel

Birding in Israel in general is unique. But the observation of the spring migration of thousands of raptors is literally breathtaking. The Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus) is one of the first raptors, you can observe migrating. On good days, migration starts as early as before 8 am. Then the birds pass the city of… Continue reading Bird Migration in Eilat/ Israel

Young Whinchat on summer morning

A fresh morning. Thick layers of fog are lying over the wetlands of the Nuthe floodplain south of Berlin. The weather forecast was perfect and everywhere there were numerous motives. So I took advantage of every free minute in the morning to be outside. The meadows along the river offer a diverse habitat structure. One… Continue reading Young Whinchat on summer morning

Wie kommt man zu schönen Wiesenweihenfotos?

Ein frischer Frühsommermorgen, die aufgehende Sonne im Osten, das Jubilieren der Feldlerchen (Alauda arvensis) im Ohr. Da kommt in leicht schaukelnden Flug  elegant ein Greifvogel tief über dem noch niedrig-gewachsenen Getreidefeld eingeschwebt. Beim Näherkommen fällt der zierliche Körperbau der Wiesenweihe (Circus pygargus) auf, die hier, im Bereich des Niederen Flämings, im Süden Brandenburgs einen Verbreitungsschwerpunkt… Continue reading Wie kommt man zu schönen Wiesenweihenfotos?

Luftkampf Wiesenweihe und Schwarzer Milan

Laut und schrill rufend nähert sich die weibliche Wiesenweihe (Circus pygargus) dem gemächlich am Himmel kreisenden Schwarzen Milan (Milvus migrans). Über der Feldflur bei Oehna /Niedergörsdorf fand ein eindrucksvoller Luftkampf zwischen einer weiblichen Wiesenweihe und einem deutlich größeren, aber ebenfalls sehr gewandten, Milan über einem Getreidefeld statt. Dabei ging sie den Milan meistens von unten… Continue reading Luftkampf Wiesenweihe und Schwarzer Milan

Pallid Harrier: First-summer individual in post-juvenile moult in Havelland

Described in old literature as a rare vagrant, the Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) is much less rare in NW Europe nowadays. It is not yet clear, whether this is due to the numbers of birders in the field, increasing knowledge of the immature and adult female plumage, migrations watchpoints or due to a change in… Continue reading Pallid Harrier: First-summer individual in post-juvenile moult in Havelland

Birding around Berlin – Reckahner Teiche

Berlin, the capital of Germany is a top tourist destination. Many airlines use the Airport of Berlin, but it is possible to take a flight to Frankfurt/ Main as well and drive with a rented car in roughly half a day. If you have spare time between two tourist attractions, are fed-up with the museum… Continue reading Birding around Berlin – Reckahner Teiche

Birding around Frankfurt Airport – NSG Lampertheimer Altrhein

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the gateway to continental Europe. Many airlines use the Airport as a hub for connecting flights all over the world. If you have some more spare time but only 2 hours between two flights, you might be interested to know, where you can find good places to stretch your legs, enjoy… Continue reading Birding around Frankfurt Airport – NSG Lampertheimer Altrhein

Pallid Harrier on the Schroecker Feld north of Frankfurt/ M

At least since Saturday, July 19, 2014, a plateau east of Marburg, the Schroecker Feld, is home to a male Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) on. The Schroecker Feld near Marburg is roughly 100km distant from downtown Frankfurt/ Main. This Pallid Harrier male has very pale grey upperparts and is white below. In flight, the distinctive… Continue reading Pallid Harrier on the Schroecker Feld north of Frankfurt/ M

Steppenweihe – Weihentreff auf dem Schröcker Feld bei Marburg

Seit mindestens Samstag, den 19. Juli 2014, hält sich auf dem Plateau östlich von Marburg, das Schröcker Feld genannt wird, eine männliche Steppenweihe (Circus macrourus) auf. Die Weihe wirkte sehr hell, fast weiß, hatte aber – wie auf dem Foto des fliegenden Männchens der Steppenweihe erkennbar – einen schmutzigen Anflug auf

Bearded Tits south of Berlin

Although the capital of Germany, Berlin has a lot to offer in terms of nature, too. In addition to the natural richness this is a legacy of the division of Germany, which has prevented the city´s spread after the end of the 2nd World War like in no other city. This means, that even today… Continue reading Bearded Tits south of Berlin

Birding around Frankfurt Airport – Kuehkopf-Knoblochsaue

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the gateway to continental Europe. Many airlines use the Airport as a hub for connecting flights all over the world. If you have spare time between two flight and you are a birdwatcher, you might be interested to know, where you can find good places to stretch your legs, enjoy fresh… Continue reading Birding around Frankfurt Airport – Kuehkopf-Knoblochsaue

Observations of a Great Reed-Warbler in the Rhine Valley

Based on a message in Ornitho.de in the beginning of May I when visited the Schiersteiner water works in the vicinity of Wiesbaden in the Rheingau region. This area is about 50 km west from the Frankfurt city center. A singing Reed Warbler had been seen. Maybe a nice photo opportunity. Shortyl after arrival at… Continue reading Observations of a Great Reed-Warbler in the Rhine Valley