Czech republic
In the Czech Republic, our life list currently stands at 197 bird species recorded, with 158 species observed in 2023, compared to 153 in the previous year. I’d like to share some of the most interesting sightings of the year, particularly those involving our target species and birds that were especially exciting for us to observe.
My first birdwatching record of 2023 came on 7 January. It was a productive day, and alongside many more common species, I managed to record my first interesting bird of the year: the Long-eared Owl. I also spotted Common Cranes and, most excitingly, a Whooper Swan, which was a lifer for me.
We recorded our first White-tailed Eagle of the year on 4 March, followed shortly afterwards, on 12 March, by a Tawny Owl. I found it in the nearby Obora Hvězda Nature Monument. At the same location, I also observed one of my favourite birds, the Black Woodpecker. My first wader of the year was a Common Snipe, recorded on 17 March. The same day also brought a Green Sandpiper and a Northern Goshawk.
Our first trip to the Velký and Malý Tisý National Nature Reserve took place on 14 April. Among the many species we observed there was the Bluethroat. During a birdwatching trip around České Budějovice, we also spotted a Little Ringed Plover, Ruff and Mediterranean Gull.
One of the year’s most exciting moments came on 22 April, when I managed to record a Three-toed Woodpecker — another lifer and a fantastic addition to my bird list. Another memorable first-time sighting followed on 13 May, when I encountered a Eurasian Scops Owl.
Our first major expedition of the year to the Velký and Malý Tisý National Nature Reserve took place from 5 to 11 June. We were fortunate enough to observe several interesting species, including Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, Eurasian Spoonbill and Common Grasshopper Warbler. While exploring the surrounding area, we also spotted a Black-necked Grebe and a Pygmy Cormorant.
After that, we headed to the North Sea for another exciting birdwatching adventure.
During the second half of the year, we returned to our regular birding locations. On 22 July, I observed a Common Hoopoe, followed by a Black Grouse on 9 September. On 16 September, I recorded a Spotted Nutcracker.
Finally, I rounded off the year’s most interesting sightings on 30 December with three more species: Greater White-fronted Goose, Tundra Bean Goose and, most notably, the Long-tailed Duck.
Overall, 2023 was another rewarding year for birdwatching, with several lifers, memorable encounters and plenty of reasons to keep exploring the wonderful diversity of birdlife in the Czech Republic.
Long-tailed Duck, Lake Most, 30 December 2023.
World
Our world bird list currently stands at 212 species recorded, with 16 new species added this year from observations outside the Czech Republic.
Our journey began on 18 June, and our first new addition was the Eurasian Oystercatcher, spotted at the port of Cuxhaven. From there, we travelled to Heligoland and Düne, where I focused mainly on photography. I compiled our bird list for the entire stay, bringing together all the species we managed to observe during the trip.
Among our sightings were the Greater White-fronted Goose, Common Eider, Grey Plover, Eurasian Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Little Auk, Razorbill, Black-legged Kittiwake, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Arctic Tern, Northern Gannet, Northern Wheatear and Meadow Pipit.
The trip was a fantastic opportunity to encounter species that are rarely seen, or simply unavailable to observe, during our usual birdwatching outings back home. It was also a great chance to expand our photographic collection and add some exciting new records to our growing world bird list.
Eurasian Oystercatcher, Düne Island, North Sea.
