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 as a consequence 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 some other heathland within the space, possibly it doesn’t warrant the relativizing “fairly” – wherein case I apologize upfront to any potential proud Wahner Heide locals. The realm is a navy coaching floor and consequently, some areas are inaccessible. Nonetheless, some paths offer you entry to a great space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of your entire heath). I used to be very glad to see some completely different species to those I’ve seen within the current months, fairly refreshing after having spent a big quantity of my birding time within the native park (see my final publish, 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 as a consequence 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 some other heathland within the space, possibly it doesn’t warrant the relativizing “fairly” – wherein case I apologize upfront to any potential proud Wahner Heide locals. The realm is a navy coaching floor and consequently, some areas are inaccessible. Nonetheless, some paths offer you entry to a great space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of your entire heath). I used to be very glad to see some completely different species to those I’ve seen within the current months, fairly refreshing after having spent a big quantity of my birding time within the native park (see my final publish, amongst others…).
The primary fowl 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 elucidate this hole in my checklist as Wooden Larks appear to have a comparatively slim habitat vary. I’d 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 making an attempt to consolation myself right here. If you’re an alert reader, you’d even have seen that I used the phrase “had” as a substitute of “have”, within the first sentence of this paragraph. A couple of minutes after moving into appropriate habitat I heard the stunning tune of a Wooden Lark, and lo and behold, it was sitting proper within the open on a lifeless department. One other particular person close by was additionally calling, and we may see them giving their tune flight earlier than diving into the heath.
The heath was alive with a number of different birds that saved us busy. Frequent Stonechat and Tree Pipit had been significantly apparent, and I beloved watching the latter’s show flight. Much like the Wooden Lark, I’ve by no means been in the fitting habitat on the proper time of 12 months, so this was the primary time that heard this species’ lovely tune. The tune at all times jogs my memory of Frequent 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, nevertheless it nonetheless gave the impression to be a trifle early for all species to reach of their regular numbers. Nonetheless, I noticed my first Frequent Whitethroat of the season – a foul view of a cute fowl however I used to be very completely satisfied 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 massive numbers warming themselves within the solar amongst the shrubs. The gorgeous emerald-green people had been very spectacular. Regardless of their vibrant coloration, they went from apparent to invisible amongst the vegetation, as they one way or the other had been capable of mix in completely.
There are fairly intensive forested areas as effectively, which host a unique suite of birds. We heard Black Woodpecker and Gray-headed Woodpecker, and noticed Frequent Raven and the entire host of small passerines one would count on, together with a pleasant Hawfinch. I additionally acquired some extra follow of Frequent Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler ID. By the top of my keep on Heligoland final 12 months, after we had each species move by in massive numbers, I may inform them aside with none difficulties, however I seen 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 number of I really feel that I’ve acquired 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 means much less, and if I push the bike I often get into these hectic moments when a fowl flies by or I wish to get a document photograph of some species. Right this moment was not a giant drawback as I simply had my binoculars and digicam, but when I add my scope to that, I’d be unable to push my bike, maintain my scope over my shoulder and produce my bins to my eyes all inside a second with out dropping the whole lot and inflicting the whole lot with wings inside a radius of fifty meters to fly away. I’m nonetheless making an attempt 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’d by no means resolve to not take them when visiting an attention-grabbing spot, and I do assume 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!
