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 resulting from 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 every other heathland within the space, possibly it doesn’t warrant the relativizing “fairly” – during which case I apologize upfront 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 a great space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of the whole heath). I used to be very glad to see some totally 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 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 resulting from 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 every other heathland within the space, possibly it doesn’t warrant the relativizing “fairly” – during which case I apologize upfront 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 a great space of birding habitat (and I solely explored a the southern a part of the whole heath). I used to be very glad to see some totally 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 submit, amongst others…).
The principle hen I wished 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 elucidate this hole in my record as Wooden Larks appear to have a comparatively slender habitat vary. I might 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 attempting to consolation myself right here. In case you are 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 stepping 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 lifeless 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 saved us busy. Widespread Stonechat and Tree Pipit have been notably apparent, and I cherished watching the latter’s show flight. Just 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 at all times jogs my memory of Widespread Chaffinch and Willow Warbler which have been each quite common as nicely, so there have been a number 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 pleased 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 beautiful emerald-green people have been very spectacular. Regardless of their brilliant coloration, they went from apparent to invisible amongst the vegetation, as they someway have been in a position to mix in completely.
There are fairly in depth forested areas as nicely, 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 bought some extra observe of Widespread Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler ID. By the top of my keep on Heligoland final yr, after we had each species go by means of in massive numbers, I might 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 just a few I really feel that I’ve bought 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 normally attempt to keep away from birding by bike as a result of I discover that I hear manner much less, and if I push the bike I normally get into these hectic moments when a hen flies by or I wish to get a report picture of some species. At present was not a giant downside as I simply had my binoculars and digicam, 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 every part and inflicting every part 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 determine to take all these optics. Nonetheless, I might by no means determine to not take them when visiting an fascinating spot, and I do assume that it’s a part of birding outings to attempt to juggle all of your gear whereas not getting caught in all of the straps round your shoulders!
