Cranes and more in Niedersachsen and Sachsen-Anhalt

In October large flocks of cranes fly from Scandinavia over Germany to Southern Europe to get through wintertime. So, at the end of September, we were a bit too early to observe this phenomenon. Fortunately quite some cranes choose nowadays to stay in Germany or travel off-season ;-). 

Apart from these amazing creatures we were lucky to observe birds of prey like buzzards, eagles and red kites. They seem to love the vast agricultural areas with their groves and impressive solitary trees.

As you can see the September-weather was sunny enough to please insects like butterflies, the praying mantis, dragonflies and even a viper. 

Roe-deer seem to just notice and observe us.

A worthwhile trip!

    

 

 

The Extremadura revisited

Still some 1250 miles away from home, we couldn't resist to go back to the Extremadura, this special and vast nature reserve. The good news is, that on our long way there, we pass many interesting nature reserves in France. Areas such as the Brenne and marais d'Orx. We enjoyed lovely mild spring weather there, together with the many butterflies, waders and dragonflies.

In the Extremadura, our friends the birds of prey (have a look at the Egyptian vulture), were fortunately present in abundance. The "dehesas" (pastures) are, as far as we are concerned, the most intriguing landscape in the Extremadura. There seems to be no life at all, but if you take the time to look really closely, a surprising world unfolds. Colourful little birds (like the European roller), birds of prey and insects live there in perfect harmony, in one of the most pristine natural areas of Europe. 

We are grateful to have been able to experience this once again!

Small copper butterfly

Egyptian vulture

Dehesas

Crested lark

Northern banded groundling

Leaf beetle on purple viper's bugloss

Oatplant

Algerian psammodromus

Stag beetle

Highway in Northeast Spain

Iberian spoonwing

European bee-eater                      European roller                         Woodchat shrike