From flamingos to white-tailed eagles: where to spot rare birds in North Rhine-Westphalia
Nature enthusiasts can observe wild flamingos, white-tailed eagles and other rare avian species at several protected areas in North Rhine-Westphalia, according to local biological stations.
Birdwatchers in Germany do not need to travel to the Everglades to see wild flamingos. A trip to the western Münsterland offers the chance to watch these pink birds in their natural habitat, alongside other rare species across North Rhine-Westphalia.
Zwillbrocker Venn near Vreden
Dozens of flamingos breed alongside thousands of black-headed gulls on an island in the Zwillbrocker Venn. Three species can be seen during the mating and breeding season, filtering small organisms from the water with their beaks. The origin of this colony, which has bred regularly since 1983, remains uncertain.
Where they ultimately come from is partly unknown.
Experts assume the birds escaped from zoos or private collections. However, local observer Erik Ottema, who has kept detailed records since 2017, believes the flamingos are capable of covering long distances on their own. In autumn and winter, the flamingos usually migrate to the Rhine delta in the Netherlands.
Bislicher Insel near Xanten
White-tailed eagles are the main attraction on this former island. With a wingspan reaching 2.5 meters, the birds of prey reside here year-round. Two chicks currently demand plenty of food, keeping the parents busy. The young eagles have begun their first practice flights and are expected to leave the nest soon, though they will return to sleep.
You can't miss the eyrie.
It sits on a dead poplar without leaves. Visitors can also spot a spoonbill colony, with birds slightly smaller than grey herons and distinctive spoon-shaped beaks.
Krieckenbecker Seen near Nettetal
A small Mediterranean songbird, the Cetti's warbler, sometimes greets visitors with its loud song upon arrival. The first male likely arrived from the west in 2022, according to the head of the biological station. Other species include the reed warbler and the great crested grebe, which builds floating nests and breeds relatively late, in May and June, once the water lily belt has expanded.
Other notable sites
Further areas known for their bird diversity include the Rieselfelder Münster, Versmolder Bruch, Rietberger Emsniederung, Enger Bruch, Hetter-Millinger Bruch, Großes Torfmoor and Dreiborner Hochfläche. Biological stations offer routes and observation huts to help visitors experience these natural wonders responsibly.
