Tawny Greeting

Back in Rožňava for Christmas with my family. I had a walk this afternoon and I found this cute Tawny Owl. I decided to make a "greeting card" from it. 

Dedicated to all birders and nature lovers...enjoy your holidays!

Walk in the fields

Day started with great observation of flock of 150+ Waxwings. Some of them were roosting on the TV aerial on the opposite roof.

Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus)

I decided to make a walk across the fields between Rožňava and Jovice. I hoped to spot some uncommon Rough-legged Buzzard. There were only the Common ones and some other birds. Let's check it.

fields between Rožňava and Jovice

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) from behind

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)

Magpie (Pica pica)

snowy blanket all over

Bulrush (Typha sp.)

I thought that nothing could beat today's Waxwings but I was wrong. To be honest it was an "owlsome" mistake...

somebody is roosting on the chimney...

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) from another angle

Urbanbirding In Petržalka

It was just another winter day in the city without snow under low grey skies with a little drizzle. But one need to find beauty also in this colorless world. I decided to count birds on former Danube river arm called Chorvátske rameno that passes through Petržalka - largest borough of housing blocks in Central Europe. Despite its artificial banks this thin 5km long line of water offers you nice opportunities to observe common wintering birds of urban areas. I found there 29 Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) - one with metal ring on its leg, that was ringed in Poland, 112 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), 1 Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) flew overhead, 1 Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), 24 Coots (Fulica atra), 113 Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and 1 Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus). After that I met with Katka and we went to check the lake Veľký Draždiak. We used our "special method" of reading the numbers of some ringed Mute Swans. Local birds are used to feeding and it is only matter of seconds as they arrive to "your" side. We noted and read several ringed Mute Swans. One needs to check the center of the lake if there is any lone bird. In previous winters we found here Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica) or Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca). There was one such bird but for today it was "only" female Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula).

2012 Lifers in pictures

You know that great feeling when you see it for the first time in your life. It is a very special moment. You are just observing the bird in your spotting scope or binoculars and enjoying the beauty of the moment. Suddenly you realize that you can make a photo of it. Sometimes is gone, sometimes it is far away, sometimes you don't have your camera, sometimes it's only your mobile phone. Do not await great photos. All of them are made with my smartphone, they are digiscoped and bad quality, but try to imagine that feeling of your lifer connection... 

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria); Devín castle, Bratislava, Slovakia - Feb 13, 2012

Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea); Zicklacke, Illmitz, Austria - Mar 1, 2012

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis); Budmerice, Slovakia - Apr 15, 2012

Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis); Sandeck - Wasserstatten, Illmitz, Austria - Apr 22, 2012

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides); Danube, Bratislava, Slovakia - Apr 29, 2012

Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax); Perín fishponds, Perín, Slovakia - May 6, 2012

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus); Waasen-Hanság, Austria - Jun 9, 2012

Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor); Apetlon, Austria - Jun 9, 2012

Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus); Bratislava, Slovakia - Dec 4, 2012

Dúbravka winter surroundings

Just another walk in the forest. It is under snowy blanket for last few days. Perfect time to spot some woodpeckers. I was lucky today and recorded 4 different species: Green(1 bird), Great Spotted(4), Middle Spotted(1) & Lesser Spotted Woodpecker(2). In addition plenty of Nuthatches, 5 Jays, 2 Greenfinches and I had a glimpse of Great Grey Shrike. Three Roedeers ran along the path. When I came back to Dúbravka I decided to make a little detour. In a half an hour of urban birding I recorded 5 Bullfinches, 4  Chaffinches, both Sparrow species, usual winter Rooks and as a great surprise there was flock of 32 Waxwings. They were less than 250 meters from my flat. I've added them into my "Dúbravka birdlist".
[this post was made entirely in my phone, just want to check how it works and looks]

Waxwing galore continues

Three days ago I have spotted my first ever flock of Waxwings. We estimated total of 100 birds. Day later it was around 250 birds and today after careful counting of dots on a photo their number have arisen to 700 birds. As we visited site yesterday we found Black-throated Diver on Danube. I took the spotting scope and wanted to make some video of it but it was gone. There was only one Great Cormorant left.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

I turned back to the parking place near Arena theatre, the site of Waxwings presence in last days. It was again beautiful time as I observed them more than hour. I tried to make some photos and videos again. I have only smartphone so I'm combining it with the optics of the spotting scope. Here are the results - photos were cropped with little bit enhance of brightness and contrast.

Detailed videos are made the same "digiscoping" way.

List of observed birds this afternoon:
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
Common Gull (Larus canus)
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica)
Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius)
Jackdaw (Coloelus monedula)
Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Great Tit (Parus major)
Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Redwing (Turdus iliacus)
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Waxwings - day 2

I begin to understand why is observation of Waxwings so addictive. Today's weather was much better - no snow, only few raindrops. I spent almost an hour with Waxwings. I found them on the opposite bank of River Danube as yesterday. They were feeding, roosting, some of them were drinking water from small puddle. All of this accompanied by their characteristic voice. I made few photos and videos using my phone and spotting scope. Enjoy!

Ok! Ok! Ok! There were beside 100+ Waxwings other birds too: 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, 8 Blackbird, 3 Mistle Thrush, 3 Hooded Crow, Carrion Crow, 30 Jackdaw, 5 Black-headed Gull, Great Cormorant, Kestrel.

My First Ever Waxwings

This winter is the year of another Waxwing invasion into the southern parts of Europe. The previous one was in winter when I was only starting with birdwatching. Despite bad weather conditions we observed 118 birds in the treetops in Bratislava city center next to the River Danube. Hope they will stay for longer period of time to enjoy this uncommon guest in Central Europe.

observing Waxwings in the treetops

Waxwings in Bratislava (© Ján Dobšovič)

Beside 118 Waxwings there were other birds too: Hawfinch, 2 Greenfinches, 10+ House Sparrows, Robin, 7 or 8 Blackbirds, 2 Hooded Crows, Black-headed Gull over Danube.

Black-throated Loon in the city.

I got an announcement yesterday, that Black-throated Loon was seen on lake Veľký Draždiak in Petržalka, Bratislava. I missed it last week on Danube so I wanted to make my yearlist tick today. I persuaded my colleague to join me and we checked this site this morning. Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica) was there all the time. It was intensively diving first hour, but later there were some nice opportunities to see this unusual bird.

Woodpeckers in the forest over Dúbravka

I was supposed to work at home and write a trip report from our weekend birdwatching tour in Hortobágy National Park (Hungary), but I was unable to create anything. I packed bottle of water and bird guide, took spotting scope and went out to the forest that lies over Dúbravka, Bratislava. Autumn already began, but most of the trees are still green and man needs a little bit luck to spot something up in the trees. I found 3 species of woodpeckers - Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis), Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius). I made these videos:

List of observed bird species:
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica)
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
Common Magpie (Pica pica)
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris)
Great Tit (Parus major)
Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)

Saturday birdwatching on Danube

After several visits in the northern outskirts of Bratislava near River Morava I decided to change my direction and went to check Danube. Hrušovská zdrž water reservoir is an important migration and wintering spot in Central Europe. I took spotting scope and my binoculars and went out to check if there are already first autumn guests or not. I found 3 different dabbling duck species beside Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) - 7 Gadwall (Anas strepera), 6 Wigeon (Anas penelope), 15 Teal (Anas crecca). I've spotted one female Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina), 5 female Goosander (Mergus merganser) and first few hundreds of Tufted Ducks (Aythya fuligula) and Common Pochards (Aythya ferina) that used to winter in this area. There were plenty of White Wagtails (Motacilla alba) and one Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea). It might be there more of them, but I spotted only one. I haven't seen any waders nor Pygmy Cormorants. May be there will be some of them in later weeks. 

I think this is enough writing. It's better to check photos, videos and list of observed birds on Hrušovská zdrž water dam and Čunovo surroundings. Photos and videos of birds are digiscoped using my HTC Desire S smartphone.

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)

juvenile Yellow-legged or Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans/michahellis)

River Danube below Danubiana

female Goosanders (Mergus merganser)

River Danube below dam

posing Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

sleeping Teals (Anas crecca)

upper parts of water reservoir

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

Great Egret (Egretta alba)

List of observed bird species:
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
Gadwall (Anas strepera)
Wigeon (Anas penelope)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Teal (Anas crecca)
Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Goosander (Mergus merganser)
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Great Egret (Egretta alba)
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Coot (Fulica atra)
Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica)
Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
Magpie (Pica pica)
Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
Great Tit (Parus major)
Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

July Walks in Bratislava Surroundings

[Monday, July 23, 2012]

I know that I didn't post nothing in last few months, but I'll do my best to change it. The best way how to literally taste the nature is to go outside. I don't want to write too much, just enjoy few videos from my walks in surroundings of Bratislava.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) in the forest over Dúbravka: European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) in the forest over Dúbravka: Small flock of feeding Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) in the floodplain meadows near River Morava: Another day, another Roe Deer. Adult male European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) in the floodplain meadows of River Morava: Just a glimpse of Black Stork (Ciconia nigra): Let's see what happens if you hesitate over your food:

Short Stop At Jakubovské rybníky Fishponds

[Friday, April 5, 2012]

We got 2 spare hours of daylight so we decided to visit system of fishponds near Malacky. We hoped that rain will start later but it interrupted us while we were checking empty fishpond for some waders. That short stop brought new species in my 2012 yearlist: Barn Swallow, Osprey, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, Savi's Warbler.

White-tailed Eagle - Haliaeetus albicilla

List of observed bird species:

Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
Gadwall (Anas strepera)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)
Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Coot (Fulica atra)
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica)
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
Great Tit (Parus major)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides)
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Forest Steppe In The Middle Of Alluvial Forests

[Saturday, March 17, 2012]

After finishing my counting on the seepage channel I decided to visit a place that nobody expects to find in the middle of the alluvial forests. Forest steppe of Protected Reserve "Ostrov Kopáč" (Kopáč island) developed on the alluvial sediments that are embraced by old River Danube's river arm named "Biskupické rameno". It lies only few hundred meters from the seepage channel. Let's see how the landscapes changes in just 1km.

Biskupické rameno - river arm

typical alluvial forest

mix of low trees and conifers

open landscape with solitaire conifers

shrub and heath of forest steppe

dry island in the middle of former alluvial plain

solitaire deciduos trees

back in the alluvial forest on the other side of protected reserve

great lesson of biodiversity in just 20 minutes