Spotted in Berlin: The Avian Residents and the 'Hour of Garden Birds'
Berlin residents urged to track and record sparrows and siskins for a citywide bird census - Berliners advocated for a bird census
Berlin's cityscape constitutes a sanctuary for diverse bird species. The urban parks and green spaces offer habitats that attract winged visitors, from vibrant kingfishers to the humble sparrows. The Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV are interested in understanding the variety and population of these avian residents, so they've called upon the public's help.
In the upcoming "Hour of Garden Birds" (9-11 May), participants can contribute by counting birds from a quiet spot in their gardens, parks, or even windows. Spotting popular species such as the goldfinch—with a red face and yellow wing stripes—and the ever-present pigeons is encouraged. Redstarts, whose red tails are a delightful sight as they wag while singing, are mainly observed in the outskirts of the city.
Last year, more than 36,000 birds were counted in Berlin. Those who are new to birdwatching can join NABU Berlin-led excursions during the counting weekend. For instance, on 11 May at 9:00 AM, the Lichtenberg district group will count in the Wartenberger field. If you're joining with your children, a special event is scheduled for 10 May at 2:00 PM in the Rummelsburger Bucht.
- Berlin
- Nature Conservation Union Germany
- urban birdwatching
- city parks
- pigeons
- bird species
- weekend excursions
- LBV
Insights from Recent Sightings
Recent sightings reported in Berlin include:- Common Shelduck, frequently spotted in urban areas- Black Tern, usually seen near water bodies- Osprey, often seen soaring above forests and parks- Common Wood Pigeon, a common sight in cities everywhere
These birds, along with many others, can be found in popular birdwatching hotspots such as Tempelhofer Feld and Großer Tiergarten.
The Count from Last Year
To find specific details about the bird count from last year, we recommend reaching out to local birding clubs or consult websites dedicated to birding in Berlin. The 'Hour of Garden Birds' is an engaging initiative where participants log bird species in their gardens to support conservation efforts.
- The Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV invite Berlin residents to join the "Hour of Garden Birds" (9-11 May) to help document the variety and population of avian residents in the city.
- Birdwatching enthusiasts can take part in weekend excursions led by NABU Berlin, such as the one in the Wartenberger field, Lichtenberg district, on 11 May at 9:00 AM, or a special event for children on 10 May at 2:00 PM in the Rummelsburger Bucht.
- Recent sightings reported in Berlin include the Common Shelduck, Black Tern, Osprey, and Common Wood Pigeon, which can be found in popular birdwatching spots like Tempelhofer Feld and Großer Tiergarten.
- For specific bird count details from last year, residents are encouraged to reach out to local birding clubs or consult birding websites dedicated to Berlin to support conservation efforts and gain insights into urban bird populations.
