Bird Watching in Berlin: Keep a Tab on Berlin's Feathered Friends
Berlin's residents encouraged to conduct bird census, from Sparrowhawk to Sparrow - Residents of Berlin Protest for Avian Census
Berlin's urban jungle is a thriving avian habitat. The city's birdlife is diverse, with common residents ranging from the brash Peregrine Falcon and the vibrant Blue-and-orange Kingfisher to more common birds like sparrows and pigeons. But what about the lesser-spotted species? The Nature Conservation Bund Germany (NABU) and Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV are keen to find out, and they're enlisting the public's help. During the "Hour of Garden Birds" event, scheduled for May 9-11, bird enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in a city-wide bird census.
In the heart of the city, birdwatchers might catch a glimpse of the chaffinch's red face and yellow wing stripes, also called the brambling, according to NABU Berlin. On the outskirts, the redstart with its distinctive tail bobbing while singing is a common sight. Don't forget to log the commoners too; sparrows and pigeons add up in numbers!
Last year alone, an impressive 36,000 birds were accounted for in Berlin.
So, how does it work? Participants simply observe birds from a tranquil spot—be it a garden, park, or window—and take note of the highest number of each species seen within an hour. Submit your findings through the internet, an app, or good old mail. The nature conservation associations aim to gather insights into current bird world trends, which will complement official population statistics. Last year, around 1,980 people joined the event and reported 36,000 birds.
Berlin's NABU groups are hosting excursions during the counting weekend. The Lichtenberg district group invites birdwatchers to join them on May 11 at 9:00 am in the Wartenberger field area. Kids can tag along with their parents on May 10 at 2:00 pm in the Rummelsburger Bucht for a fun-filled birdwatching adventure.
- Berlin
- Nature Conservation Bund Germany
- bird species
- city area
- pigeons
- weekend
- LBV
- birdwatching
(Enrichment Data)
For those interested in a broader perspective, Berlin is home to a significant variety of bird species beyond the city center. Areas like the Stangenhagener Polder, located just outside the city, boast a diverse range of avian life, including the Common Crane, Osprey, Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Black Kite, Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Hobby, Red-backed Shrike, and Golden Oriole. Keep a lookout for these elusive fellows on your birdwatching adventures!
[1] Source: Berlin Natural History Museum[2] Source: Birding Berlin, a local birdwatching community
- The Nature Conservation Bund Germany (NABU) and Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV are particularly interested in learning about Berlin's lesser-spotted bird species.
- During the "Hour of Garden Birds" event in Berlin, participants are asked to observe birds for an hour and note the highest number of each species seen.
- On May 11 at 9:00 am in the Wartenberger field area, Berlin's NABU groups are hosting a birdwatching excursion, and children can join a fun-filled birdwatching adventure in the Rummelsburger Bucht on May 10 at 2:00 pm.
- Beyond the city center, areas like the Stangenhagener Polder outside Berlin offer a diverse range of avian life, including rarer species such as the Common Crane, Osprey, Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Black Kite, Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Hobby, Red-backed Shrike, and Golden Oriole.
