Okay, not actually close to Bonn, however I made a feeble but determined try and have the title be an alliteration. Solely after I got here up with this, I noticed that the title an earlier publish of mine can also be a b-based alliteration, which I suppose I ought to settle for is extra a sign of my restricted creativity than an inevitable results of me dwelling in Bonn. A while in the past I visited the Wagbachniederung (see my final publish) and as I might be touring kind of alongside the Rhine to get again, I made a decision to throw in a go to to an space I lately discovered has Rock Buntings and Cirl Buntings. I’ve seen the latter however not the previous, and was desperate to strive for each of them. The realm includes the vineyards above the small city referred to as – persevering with with the alliteration theme – Rüdesheim am Rhein (you most likely can’t get far more German than that when it comes to place names).
I solely discovered after I acquired there that the place appears to be fairly touristy and identified for its wines. There’s even a cable automotive to take folks to a big statue honouring the formation of the German Empire in 1871 on the highest of the hill above the vineyards. Greater than that although, my go to coincided with an enormous gathering of Harley-Davidson followers and riders (who unsurprisingly however thankfully didn’t discover the vineyards and frequented the grill stalls, bars, and parking heaps within the village as a substitute).
Ignoring a smattering of Barn Swallows and Western Home Martins as I walked via the city in direction of the vineyards, actually the primary chook I noticed after I acquired to the vineyards was a Cirl Bunting. The chook was scared away by a gaggle of partygoers (it was midday…), however I assumed this chook needed to be widespread right here, given how rapidly I noticed it. It took fairly a little bit of strolling till I heard the subsequent one although, after which realized I acquired to a spot the place round 4 birds may very well be heard singing on the identical time.
Rock Bunting, after all, eluded me as soon as once more as they all the time appear to do. I’ve seemed for this chook a number of instances within the area and want to see it right here though I do know that it is rather widespread and way more widespread in southern Europe. Some good sightings of Eurasian Linnet and Pink-backed Shrike almost made up for it although.
It was attention-grabbing to see that many birds have been breeding within the low stone partitions forming the terraces of the vineyards, together with Blue Tits and Black Redstarts.
The vineyards and stone partitions on the steep hills, outdated castles, and the river made for a surroundings alongside this stretch of the Rhine that I actually get pleasure from. Maybe it was additionally good to not have seen the Rock Bunting, giving me purpose to return again right here – ideally when the Harley-Davidsons congregation has dissipated.
