The middle Rhine valley is well known for the warm climate that permits vineyards to spread quite far North, up to the latitude of Bonn. This creates rather specific habitat which in turn has affected teh distribution of several bird species. The ranges of Rock Bunting and Cirl Bunting extend further North here than in other areas due to habitat and climatic conditions. In fact, Cirl Buntings are experiencing a rapid population growth at the northern edges of their range along the Rhine, being one of the (rather few) avian beneficiaries of a warming climate. Somewhat perversely, this is a treat for local birders. I came across the town Rüdesheim am Rhein – between Koblenz and Frankfurt – while looking for spots to see Rock Bunting in the region. As Cirl Bunting is also found here, I was eager to investigate the area and it seemed logical to connect it with my trip to the Wagbachniederung further South (previous post).
Expecting a sleepy little town, I was shocked to find a huge gathering of Harley-Davidson bikers upon arrival, with hundreds of motorbikes arranged throughout the town along with BBQ and beer stalls and everything else you’d expect at such an event. The town is also more popular with tourists, many of whom take the cable car to reach the Niederwald monument (honouring the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871) above the town.
The vineyards start right at the edge of the village and one of the first birds I saw was a singing Cirl Bunting here. They seemed to be more common further West though, as I heard and saw several individuals around this area. This species was surprisingly shy and hard to photograph, the trilling song being easily the best way to locate them.
Black Redstart, Common Whitethroat, and Red-backed Shrike were common amongst the vineyards. Several Eurasian Linnets were adowed with their lovely breeding plumage – completely different than the dull winter plumage. Barn Swallow, Western House-Martin, Common Buzzard, Black and Red Kites, and Common Kestrel were in evidence above.
Some patches of trees held forest birds like Great and Blue Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Greenfinch, and European Serin. The lovely song of a Common Nightingale emanated from one particularly dense area.
The path through some beautiful woodland here reminded me of South African scenery. I did not see any special birds here but it is surely an interesting spot to check out. I ended the outing at the train station of Assmannshausen, having been unsuccessful in locating Rock Bunting after all. Getting good views (and my first photos) of Cirl Bunting was great though, and the area with its steep vineyards and castle ruins on some hills is very scenic.
My Zone Is Birding 