I lastly managed to discover a brand new space close to Bonn, particularly the Wahner Heide (heath) bordering the Cologne-Bonn airport. It’s a fairly distinctive spot within the space attributable to 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 unsure whether or not there’s another heathland within the space, perhaps 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 in consequence, some areas are inaccessible. Nevertheless, some paths offer you entry to a great space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of your complete heath). I used to be very glad to see some totally different species to those I’ve seen within the latest months, fairly refreshing after having spent a major quantity of my birding time within the native park (see my final put up, amongst others…).”I lastly managed to discover a brand new space close to Bonn, particularly the Wahner Heide (heath) bordering the Cologne-Bonn airport. It’s a fairly distinctive spot within the space attributable to 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 unsure whether or not there’s another heathland within the space, perhaps 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 in consequence, some areas are inaccessible. Nevertheless, some paths offer you entry to a great space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of your complete heath). I used to be very glad to see some totally different species to those I’ve seen within the latest months, fairly refreshing after having spent a major quantity of my birding time within the native park (see my final put up, amongst others…).
The principle chicken I needed to see was Wooden Lark, as a result of imagine 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 listing as Wooden Larks appear to have a comparatively slim habitat vary. I’d attempt to inform myself if the identical factor if it have 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. In case you are an alert reader, you’d even have seen 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 beautiful music 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 music flight earlier than diving into the heath.
The heath was alive with a number of different birds that saved us busy. Widespread Stonechat and Tree Pipit have been significantly apparent, and I beloved watching the latter’s show flight. Just like the Wooden Lark, I’ve by no means been in the appropriate habitat on the proper time of yr, so this was the primary time that heard this species’ lovely music. The music at all times jogs my memory of Widespread Chaffinch and Willow Warbler which have been each quite common as effectively, so there have been a whole lot of ‘chaffinchesque’ songs round.
I hoped that another migrants had arrived, but it surely nonetheless appeared to be a trifle early for all species to reach of their regular numbers. Nevertheless, I noticed my first Widespread Whitethroat of the season – a nasty view of a cute chicken however I used to be very completely happy 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 have been very spectacular. Regardless of their brilliant coloration, they went from apparent to invisible amongst the vegetation, as they one way or the other have been capable of 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 acquired some extra follow of Widespread Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler ID. By the top of my keep on Heligoland final yr, once we had each species go via in giant 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 feel 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 need 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. Nevertheless, I often attempt to keep away from birding by bike as a result of I discover that I hear approach much less, and if I push the bike I often get into these hectic moments when a chicken flies by or I need to get a file picture of some species. Immediately was not an enormous downside 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 every little thing and inflicting every little thing 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’s 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 fascinating 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!