10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 7, 2016

Quite recently, it has started to expand inland, along the river Rhone and to the South of Germany, where it is now an uncommon but conspicious breeder. I’ll start with the Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis. So there you have it: conservative taxonomy leads to unfortunate common names.

Europe 130

Europe Spain Italy Ireland 130

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 7, 2011

The Common Swifts have left Germany behind as their journey South has begun. They are the first of our migrant breeders to go, and they are gone by the beginning of August. Well, in Europe summer has the Common Swift, and the Common Swift has summer. That is early. But to me, their departure means a lot. Here is why. And summer?

Elephants 169

Elephants Neglecting Europe Birds 169

10,000 Birds

JULY 26, 2015

Germany is currently experiencing its hottest June and July ever, and temperatures in the last few weeks have rarely been below 33°C (91°F), sometimes reaching nearly 40°C (103°F). This is particularly interesting for birders in North America and Europe (duh!), It’s bad. How then could such a vagrant be identified?

North America 173

North America Europe America Asia 173