I lastly managed to discover a brand new space close to Bonn, specifically the Wahner Heide (heath) bordering the Cologne-Bonn airport. It’s a fairly distinctive spot within the space because of its sandy soils and typical heathland vegetation (I hear you say “duh, it’s heath…”). I take advantage of the phrase “fairly distinctive” simply because I’m undecided whether or not there’s another heathland within the space, possibly it doesn’t warrant the relativizing “fairly” – through which case I apologize prematurely to any potential proud Wahner Heide locals. The world is a navy coaching floor and because of this, some areas are inaccessible. Nonetheless, some paths provide you with entry to space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of the complete heath). I used to be very glad to see some completely different species to those I’ve seen within the latest months, fairly refreshing after having spent a big quantity of my birding time within the native park (see my final submit, amongst others…).”I lastly managed to discover a brand new space close to Bonn, specifically the Wahner Heide (heath) bordering the Cologne-Bonn airport. It’s a fairly distinctive spot within the space because of its sandy soils and typical heathland vegetation (I hear you say “duh, it’s heath…). I take advantage of the phrase “fairly distinctive” simply because I’m undecided whether or not there’s another heathland within the space, possibly it doesn’t warrant the relativizing “fairly” – through which case I apologize prematurely to any potential proud Wahner Heide locals. The world is a navy coaching floor and because of this, some areas are inaccessible. Nonetheless, some paths provide you with entry to space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of the complete heath). I used to be very glad to see some completely different species to those I’ve seen within the latest months, fairly refreshing after having spent a big quantity of my birding time within the native park (see my final submit, amongst others…).
The principle hen I wished to see was Wooden Lark, as a result of consider it or not, I had by no means seen this species earlier than. I’ve by no means visited appropriate habitat of this species, which seems to clarify this hole in my record as Wooden Larks appear to have a comparatively slim habitat vary. I might attempt to inform myself if the identical factor if it had been a generalist occupying a broad vary of habitats that I’ve additionally been to, however I’m simply attempting to consolation myself right here. In case you are an alert reader, you’d even have observed that I used the phrase “had” as an alternative of “have”, within the first sentence of this paragraph. A couple of minutes after entering into appropriate habitat I heard the stunning music of a Wooden Lark, and lo and behold, it was sitting proper within the open on a useless department. One other particular person close by was additionally calling, and we might see them giving their music flight earlier than diving into the heath.
The heath was alive with a number of different birds that stored us busy. Widespread Stonechat and Tree Pipit had been notably apparent, and I liked watching the latter’s show flight. Much like the Wooden Lark, I’ve by no means been in the precise habitat on the proper time of yr, so this was the primary time that heard this species’ lovely music. The music all the time jogs my memory of Widespread Chaffinch and Willow Warbler which had been each quite common as effectively, so there have been plenty of ‘chaffinchesque’ songs round.
I hoped that another migrants had arrived, but it surely nonetheless gave the impression to be a trifle early for all species to reach of their regular numbers. Nonetheless, I noticed my first Widespread Whitethroat of the season – a foul view of a cute hen however I used to be very blissful to see that this species has additionally returned.
The bottom was extraordinarily sandy as is typical of heath, and one other species that was true to its title was the sand lizard, with giant numbers warming themselves within the solar amongst the shrubs. The gorgeous emerald-green people had been very spectacular. Regardless of their brilliant coloration, they went from apparent to invisible amongst the vegetation, as they someway had been in a position to mix in completely.
There are fairly in depth forested areas as effectively, which host a special suite of birds. We heard Black Woodpecker and Gray-headed Woodpecker, and noticed Widespread Raven and the entire host of small passerines one would anticipate, together with a pleasant Hawfinch. I additionally received some extra apply of Widespread Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler ID. By the tip of my keep on Heligoland final yr, once we had each species move by in giant numbers, I might inform them aside with none difficulties, however I observed that some the trickier first people this spring required me to take a more in-depth look. Not that I thoughts although, I believe each of them are actually cute birds. And after having seen fairly a couple of I really feel that I’ve received the texture again, as I discover it’s as a lot giss (or jizz, no matter you wish to name it) as coloration with these birds.
I visited the heath by bike to be extra versatile, and this was good to cowl some bigger distances. Nonetheless, I often attempt to keep away from birding by bike as a result of I discover that I hear method much less, and if I push the bike I often get into these hectic moments when a hen flies by or I wish to get a file picture of some species. At present was not a giant drawback as I simply had my binoculars and digital camera, but when I add my scope to that, I might be unable to push my bike, maintain my scope over my shoulder and convey my bins to my eyes all inside a second with out dropping all the things and inflicting all the things with wings inside a radius of fifty meters to fly away. I’m nonetheless attempting to optimize this set-up, though I really feel there may be not that a lot optimizing if I resolve to take all these optics. Nonetheless, I might by no means resolve to not take them when visiting an fascinating spot, and I do suppose that it’s a part of birding outings to try to juggle all of your gear whereas not getting caught in all of the straps round your shoulders!
Autor Luca
