Surprise Eurasian Hoopoe, 31.08.2024

Resuming the daily life in Bonn was quite a change from the recent bird-rich summer in the Alps and southern France. Not that I don’t enjoy it, but the standard set of birds like Blue Tits and Eurasian Green Woodpeckers does not compare to that including Iberian Grey Shrikes and Eurasian Hoopoes. My assumption of … Continue reading Surprise Eurasian Hoopoe, 31.08.2024

The Island of Texel, 23. – 27.10.2023

Having visited Texel twice before in autumn (read about my last visit here), I was eager to pay this special island a third visit. The previous visits allowed me only very limited time and thus resulted in a slightly rushed birding experience as getting around the island takes a while (it's bigger than you might … Continue reading The Island of Texel, 23. – 27.10.2023

Helgoland (Part I), 01.09.-17.09.2023

I had dreamt of visiting the North Sea island of Helgoland since my early years as a birder. Last year, I became aware of a bird observatory on the island and a little research soon revealed that they welcome volunteers to assist with ringing, counting, as well as other work around the observatory. This sounded … Continue reading Helgoland (Part I), 01.09.-17.09.2023

Mannar, 16.-19.02.2019

The Northern part of Sri Lanka is generally much less visited by birders than the wet zone, probably as it is more difficult to access and there are less internationally sought-after birds. Since all endemics are found in the southern and central part of the island, this is where nearly all international birders go. As … Continue reading Mannar, 16.-19.02.2019