SWITZERLAND 2025 (4 Viewers)

[Frank van Drogen]

It was very pleasant weather here in Zurich yesterday (and, miraculously, today seems to bring more of the same!!). I managed to leave work a bit early and bike to the Katzensee. A farmer was tilling the land, with about 20 Red Kite present, as well as ~50 Black Headed Gulls and about 8 Yellow Legged Gulls. Another 100-150 Gulls were quietly swimming on the lake. One of the local birders was out looking for Penduline Tits, but no luck unfortunately.

Curiously, it seems that the Black Redstarts that were around 2-3 weeks ago all have moved on further north, but that our own summer guests have not arrived yet. I spotted some movement in the reeds, and then hear the typical call of a Water Rail. We also did see a Stonechat pair, which were quite dynamic and a lot of fun to watch (the Stonechats were species #100 for my 2025 list).

I left about 20 minutes before sunset, since I didn't have working lights on my bike. Deeply regretted the leaving though, about 10 minutes after I left 3 different observers at the Katzensee reported a flock of 14 Cranes flying over.......

 

[Richard Prior]

It was very pleasant weather here in Zurich yesterday (and, miraculously, today seems to bring more of the same!!). I managed to leave work a bit early and bike to the Katzensee. A farmer was tilling the land, with about 20 Red Kite present, as well as ~50 Black Headed Gulls and about 8 Yellow Legged Gulls. Another 100-150 Gulls were quietly swimming on the lake. One of the local birders was out looking for Penduline Tits, but no luck unfortunately.

Curiously, it seems that the Black Redstarts that were around 2-3 weeks ago all have moved on further north, but that our own summer guests have not arrived yet. I spotted some movement in the reeds, and then hear the typical call of a Water Rail. We also did see a Stonechat pair, which were quite dynamic and a lot of fun to watch (the Stonechats were species #100 for my 2025 list).

I left about 20 minutes before sunset, since I didn't have working lights on my bike. Deeply regretted the leaving though, about 10 minutes after I left 3 different observers at the Katzensee reported a flock of 14 Cranes flying over.......

That time of year to sleep with the bedroom windows open Frank, the Cranes could give you a welcome wake up call.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

BIRD ALERT

• Black Stork at Magden

 

[jurek]

Nice spring weather, with migration of Buzzards, Chaffinches and Woodpigeons. And a Red Admiral and (probably) Tortoiseshell.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

First trip for a while to Klingnauersee with friends.
Wonderful weather..18C and bright sunshine.
Some 50 bird species seen including Pintails, Ruddy Shellducks, Greylag Geese, Green Woodpeckers, Green Sandpipers, Kingfishers.
Nothing special but so nice to be back.
A Black Kite was reported here but I failed to see it.

 

[Frank van Drogen]

Wonderful weather..18C and bright sunshine.

Almost better than Mallorca!!!

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Talking of Mallorca, Bird of the day:

• Bonelli's Eagle

Reported here in Switzerland..Les Bayards.!!!
In Mallorca have been re- introduced successfully ( although concerns that they kill Booted Eagles).

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Another Mallorca speciality.....Griffon Vulture reported at Zimmerwald.
This is so early !

 

[pbjosh]

Well if we are posting Mallorca’s birds I can add Imperial Amazon as the recent highlight 😜

Not a lot of cranes or migration here though!

 

[Mcnswiss2]

LOL...Was it seen in Switzerland!!!

 

[Frank van Drogen]

I was at the Klingnauerstausee today.

I thought I saw a Wagtail somewhere behind a Curlew. Seems I am wrong, Common Ringed Plover?

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Hi Frank
I think Little Ringed Plover.
Dark bill.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

2 reported on Ornitho.ch yesterday

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Yet another Mallorca speciality has followed me:

• Audouins Gull

Reported at Preverenges.
My favourite gull!

 

[pbjosh]

LOL...Was it seen in Switzerland!!!

Might have glazed over that aspect/requirement

 

[Frank van Drogen]

Hi Frank
I think Little Ringed Plover.
Dark bill.

Thanks Mike!!! Seems to make sense, and also confirmed with one of our local birders. Nice one for my CH list

Spend a bit of time at the Katensee today; a Lesser Black Backed Gull as well as a Common Gull complimented the Yellow Legged and Black Headed Gulls. About 30 Red Kites, and one Black Kite present. We also saw a Green Sandpiper being chased by one of the BHGs.


(Wife had a flat tire, so then a bit of walking to do to get back home. Word is that I didn't fix it properly last time it was punctured.......)

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Let her do it....( if you dare!).
Keep lookout for Common Cranes...perfect weather for them!
Seen in several places..interesting that more seen in central Schweiz.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Fasnacht here in Basel.

 

[Frank van Drogen]

Long Eared Owl here at the Katzensee


(Also saw three flying Bitterns -- all around sunset, so no photos)

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Weather turning cold and wet.
Tried for the bird of the day ....Wallcreeper!

First attempt at Nuglar (SO). No success although my first Middle Spotted Woodpecker of the year was seen.
Second attempt was at Burgdorf(BE) and guess what.....Dipped again.
A nice Peregrine was seen there, but no sign of the other target...Dipper.
Headed back via Inkwilersee hoping to see the resident Bittern.
You know the outcome!
Some 45 bird species seen on a rather cold and unpleasant day...however it's great to be out again!