Herbst - Drömling

A short post following a visit to the Drömling this morning.  The weather was initially overcast with sunny periods developing steadily as the morning went on.  The temperature was about 18C.  I have written about the Drömling before - its a huge area not suited for the concentration of migrants and is at its best in Spring when its fit to bursting with newly arrived birds, and late Autumn when the Cranes and Geese are passing through.  Small migrants will pass through on a broad front and are therefore not easy to see. 


Map extract - Drömling

Not surprisingly Swallows were much in evidence skimming across the meadows catching insects.  A few House Martins were also present.  A First Summer Redstart showed nicely on the edge of a bush line.  Amazingly I had not yet seen this species in Germany and so it was new both for the location and the country - for me at least.  Soon afterwards I was surprised by an adult White-tailed Eagle which, as is becoming a habit with this species, approached me from behind.  This is the third time I have seen this species here.  A Lesser Spotted and Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over - the former is scarce and is therefore a good sighting

Swallows - Drömling

First Summer Redstart - Drömling



Adult White-tailed Eagle -  Drömling


Roe deer were much in evidence - they are very common in Germany and roam freely all over the Drömling.  I saw 15 today - they obviously knew that no hunters were about.  Whinchats were quite common and make a nice change from their Stonechat cousins.  A Garden Warbler briefly showed its face before disappearing deep into the bushes again. And, last but not least, a couple of Ravens cavorted overhead against the now blue sky.  Some Common Buzzards and Red Kites added a bit of variety on the raptor front.

Roe Deer  -  Drömling



Whinchat  - Drömling

Raven - Drömling

All in all a pretty uneventful visit and proof that you need to time your visits to get the best from wherever you're going.