Okay, not really 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 spotted 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 residing in Bonn. A while in the past I visited the Wagbachniederung (see my final publish) and as I’d be touring roughly alongside the Rhine to get again, I made a decision to throw in a go to to an space I not too long ago discovered has Rock Buntings and Cirl Buntings. I’ve seen the latter however not the previous, and was desirous to attempt for each of them. The world includes the vineyards above the small city referred to as – persevering with with the alliteration theme – Rüdesheim am Rhein (you in all probability can’t get far more German than that when it comes to place names).
I solely discovered after I bought there that the place appears to be fairly touristy and recognized 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 happily 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 the direction of the vineyards, actually the primary fowl I noticed after I bought to the vineyards was a Cirl Bunting. The fowl was scared away by a gaggle of partygoers (it was midday…), however I assumed this fowl 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 bought to a spot the place round 4 birds could possibly be heard singing on the similar time.
Rock Bunting, after all, eluded me as soon as once more as they all the time appear to do. I’ve appeared for this fowl a number of occasions within the area and wish to see it right here though I do know that it is rather widespread and much more widespread in southern Europe. Some good sightings of Eurasian Linnet and Crimson-backed Shrike practically 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 take pleasure in. Maybe it was additionally good to not have seen the Rock Bunting, giving me a superb motive to come back again right here – ideally when the Harley-Davidsons congregation has dissipated.