I was quite surprised when, with the (brief) rise in temperature, Common Spadefoot Pelobates fuscusadvertising calls were suddenly heard from the canals and ditches surrounding my cabin.However, the species prefers sandy soils (to burrow) and stagnant or slow-flowing water for spawning.So the adjacent environment is a perfect biotope.
Tag: local patch
The life aquatic
August 2019 North of Berlin, just beyond the city boundary is a beautiful wetland called Tegeler Fließ. Here the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt spent his childhood. Today, this area is not only scenic impressive, it also home to a good number of bird species. Since it is only 45 minutes away from my home, I… Continue reading The life aquatic
Backyard Thunderstorm
July 2017 A thunderstorm recorded in my backyard in Leipzig’s city centre. PFR13191, thunder, rain, police car, traffic, Leipzig-South Sennheiser MKH30/8020
European Red Deer Rut II
September 2016 Short excerpt of a long duration recording. PFR12071, 1-10, 160921, European Red Deer, several, advertising Wildenhainer Bruch, Germany, Sennheiser MKH 8020/30
Lil’ Bittern
Juli 2016 From time to time I visit an area near Leipzig comprising some lakes, meadows and beautiful deciduous forests. It inhabits several rare bird species but is only rarely observed and therefore wildife is poorly documented. This time I found my second Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus in that area. PFR11908, 2-11, 160622, Little Bittern… Continue reading Lil’ Bittern
Steeldrum
March 2011 Sometimes Woodpeckers use man-made objects to build caves in or produce sounds on it. In a local park I accidentally observed a male Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major drumming on a overhead line mast. 110320, Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major, male, adult photo credit: Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major © Mathias Putze |… Continue reading Steeldrum
Springtime
April 2010 It´s springtime! Since I read the book The Sound Approach to birding – a guide to understanding birdsounds early spring became the most exciting season of the year. Studying the development of bird songs (and calls?) is my favorite field work right now. One of the first arrivals in the new year is… Continue reading Springtime