Switzerland 2021 and onwards (1 Viewer)

[Mcnswiss2]

I have lived in Switzerland for over 25 years and have enjoyed the birding oppertunites. Many previous reports have indicated that birding is difficult or the number of Species seen have been low, however there are some stonking birds out. Although the country is land locked and sea birds are difficult to see, the different habitats present in this country offer great birding if you are prepared to do your homework. Over the next few weeks, I will list the great websites, and provide information and any answers that you may be interested in.
Here are a few recent photos I have taken. Hope you enjoy this site.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Here are some of the websites I use:
Ornitho.ch
CH300
Swisss Bird Alert
The FatBirder

I hope you enjoy them. Any questions please let me know.
A few more recent photos.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Today a few hours visit to KlingnauerStausee, a reservoir near Zurich in the Canton Argau.
Klingnauersee
This is one of the favourite sites and now the location of the Argau BirdLife Centrum.
Birdlife
At the moment many differnt duck species plus a few rareties such as Great Bittern and Whooper Swan, as well as Northern Pintails, Shoverlers, Graylag Geese, Curlews, Great White and Little Egrets, Water Rails were seen.Bearded tits were also heard, and several Kingfishers flashed past.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

A very cold frosty day. Not much birding today.
Below is a list of Very Rare birds seen in Switzerland this last 15 days:

• Great Skua
• Pallid Harrier
• Great Black Backed Gull
• Siberian Chiffchaff
• Oriental Turtle Dove
• Snow Bunting
• Red Phalarope
• Moustached Warbler
• Ring necked Duck

 

[Mcnswiss2]

I decided to venture out even though the temperature was below freezing.
A visit to the local wood was productive. A calling Black Woodpecker was one of treasures. But you feel for the birds under these conditions.

 

[jurek]

Klingnauer Stausee is a well known spot, and this particular Little Egret is a well known visitor, preferring the same branch. It has black feet, unlike yellow which are normal for this species, and has been photographed since years.

You may want to venture higher up - there are places where garden feeders attract whole flocks of Snow Finches or Citril Buntings.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Thanks Jurek.
Best places for Snow finches I have found are in Melchseefrutt and Engelberg, and for Citril Finches up Glaubenberg and Engelberg.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Recent Rare seen in Switzerland over last 15 days:

• Horned Grebe
• Cattle Egrets
• Greater White Fronted Geese
• Herring Gull
• Jack Snipe
• Long tailed Duck
• Common Loon
• Oystercatchers
• Bewicks Swan
• Red Billed Choughs
• Golden Plover
• Caspian Gulls
• Northern Long tailed Tit
• Common Cranes
• Bearded Tits
• Alpine Accentors
• Short eared Owl
• Common Scoters

 

[Mcnswiss2]

A short visit to Grun80 in Baselland to meet friends.
Grun80
Very cold but Sunny weather. Birds were very quiet and not so much activity.
This is an interesting place for Escapees such as Barnacle Geese, Egyptian Geese, and recently Ringed Teal. Coypu often seen there.
Normal birds included Sparrowhawk, Greenwoodpecker, Nuthatch, Grey Heron, Buzzards and Black headed Gulls.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Great Skua and Bewicks Swans still around. Bean Geese, Greater White Fronted Geese, and Whooper Swans also reported.
Shopping day for Christmas, so little birdwatching today.
Memories of Birds found in the snow earlier this year.

 

[jurek]

Incredibly, mountainous Switzerland is a very good destination to see Water Rails and Bitterns. This is due to the small size of remaining Swiss wetlands, and that numerous wintering Water Rails and Bitterns become visible during freeze-ups. In one winter day I could see up to 10 Water Rails and 2 Bitterns without trying much - more than I saw in several years on huge wetlands of Poland, where both are widespread breeders.

It is now time of the year to see how starving Coots and Mallards start fighting when a human just comes, hoping they will get some bread. Apparently in late winter, all the edible underwater vegetation is already consumed. I also saw a Water Rail eating bread crumbs thrown by visitors.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Thanks Jurek,
Those photos of the Bitterns and Water Rails were from Klingnauerstausee. Upto 5 Bitterns were there last January. I saw / heard 5 Water Rails last week and 2 Bitterns there.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

A local walk did not reveal anything special. Birds seen included 12 Greenfinches, Mistle Thrushes, Kestrels, Common Buzzards, Carrion Crows, Rooks, Siskins, Goldfinches, etc. A young Dunnock welcomed me at home.
Merry Christmas to all!

 

[Mcnswiss2]

This time of the year I think about the Big Year and what I dipped on this year!
The CH 300 lists the number of birds seen,etc. in Switzerland.
CH300
In Switzerland approximately 320 bird spps seen each year. Some 400 bird spps seen since this site was started back in 2001.
Congratulations to those who did well.
My highest number seen in one year was 280, when I was keen and fit! I have seen some 320 spps since living in Switzerland.
The good news is that January 1st is the best day..every Species counts!

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Have a great New Year…see you next year