Last weekend, I embarked on a hiking adventure in the beautiful Nockberge region of Austria, driven by the hope of catching a glimpse of the elusive Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca). Known for its northern distribution limit in the Alps, the Rock Partridge makes its home on the steep, rocky, south-facing slopes of this unique area.… Continue reading Rock Partridge in the breathtaking Nockberge in Austria
Tag: Eagle Owl
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
Winter roosts and Red Kites
Just before sunset there some activity is in the air. Red kites (Milvus milvus) can be seen against the dark winter sky. They gather. Dozens of Red Kites perch on tree tops spread across various spruce trees. Again and again Red Kites flies up, does a few laps over the snow-covered landscape, then change the… Continue reading Winter roosts and Red Kites